1. In those days, Yochanan the Immerser came, proclaiming in the wilderness of Judea, saying,
2. “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
3. For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying,“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,make ready the way of the Lord.Make his paths straight.”
4. Now Yochanan himself wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5. Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.
6. They were immersed by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
7. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his immersion, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8. Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance!
9. Don’t think to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.