NSB(i)
1 The beginning of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 The prophet Isaiah wrote: »I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare your way.«
3 »The voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of Jehovah (YHWH), make his paths straight.« (Isaiah 40:3)
4 John the Baptist was in the desert (wilderness) telling people to repent (turn away from sin) and be baptized for forgiveness of sins.
5 People from the province of Judea and the city of Jerusalem went out to hear John. They confessed their sins and he baptized them in the Jordan River.
6 John was clothed in camel’s hair with a leather belt about his loins. He ate locusts and wild honey.
7 He told the people: »The man who comes after me is greater than I am. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie his shoes.
8 »I baptized (immersed) you with water, but he will baptize (Greek: baptizo: immerse, submerge) you with Holy Spirit.«