AUV(i)
1 This is [how] the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, began.
2 It was even written in Isaiah, the prophet [Note: Verse 2 is quote from Mal. 3:1; verse 3 from Isa. 40:3], “Look, I am sending my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you.
3 He will be the voice of a man shouting out in the desert, [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [to travel on]; to make a straight pathway for him.”
4 John [the Immerser] came immersing people in the desert and proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God].
5 And people from throughout all the regions of Judea and all of Jerusalem went out to John [in the desert]. And he immersed them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.
6 John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and he had a leather belt around his waist. He ate grasshoppers and wild honey.
7 In his preaching John said, “One who is more powerful than I am will follow my ministry. I am not [even] worthy to stoop down and loosen the straps of His sandals [i.e., to serve as His slave].
8 I am immersing you in water, but He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit.”
9 And it happened at that time that Jesus went from Nazareth, in Galilee [i.e., south to Judea], where He was immersed by John in the Jordan River.
10 And immediately upon emerging from the water, He saw the sky split open and the Holy Spirit descending on Him as a dove.
11 And a voice called out from heaven, saying, “You are my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with you.”