4. John appeared, immersing in the wilderness, proclaiming an immersion involving repentance for the removal of sins.
5. All the Judean countryside was going out to him, and all the Jerusalemites. As they confessed their sins, they were being immersed by him in the Jordan River.
6. John wore clothes made from camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.
7. “After me comes One who is mightier than I am,” he proclaimed. “I’m not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals!
8. I immersed you with water, but He will immerse you in the Ruach ha-Kodesh.”
9. In those days, Yeshua came from Natzeret in the Galilee and was immersed by John in the Jordan.
10. Just as He was coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens ripping open and the Ruach as a dove coming down upon Him.
11. And there came a voice from the heavens: “You are My Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased!”
12. That instant, the Ruach drives Him into the wilderness.
13. He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by satan. And He was with the wild beasts, and the angels were taking care of Him.
14. Now after John was put in jail, Yeshua came into the Galilee, proclaiming the Good News of God.
15. “Now is the fullness of time,” He said, “and the kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins, and believe in the Good News!”
16. Passing along by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Simon’s brother Andrew casting a net in the sea, for they were fishermen.
17. And Yeshua said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
18. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
19. Going a little farther, He saw Jacob the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.
20. Immediately He called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired hands and followed Him.
21. And they went into Capernaum. Right away, on Shabbat, He entered the synagogue and began to teach.
22. And they were astounded at His teaching, for He was teaching them as one having authority and not as the Torah scholars.