2 The prophet Isaiah wrote,“I am sending my messenger ahead of youto prepare the way for you.”
3 “A voice cries out in the desert:‘Prepare the way for the Lord!Make his paths straight!’ ”
4 John the Baptizer was in the desert telling people about a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
5 All Judea and all the people of Jerusalem went to him. As they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.
6 John was dressed in clothes made from camel’s hair. He wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He announced, “The one who comes after me is more powerful than I. I am not worthy to bend down and untie his sandal straps.
8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”