2 during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
3 He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:‘A voice of one calling in the wilderness,“Prepare the way for the Lord,make straight paths for him.
5 Every valley shall be filled in,every mountain and hill made low.The crooked roads shall become straight,the rough ways smooth.
6 And all people will see God’s salvation.” ’
7 John said to the crowds coming out to be baptised by him, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.