Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you.

Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God ◆.

As it is written in the prophets, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you: the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’ ”

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins. All the country of Judea ◆ and all those of Jerusalem ◆ ◆ went out to him.

They were baptized by him in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. John was clothed with camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist. He ate locusts and wild honey.