Introduction of John the Baptist and the baptism of Jesus.

Includes discussion about the length of the podcast. I am trying so hard to be brief that the episodes actually need to be a little longer?

Matthew 3 

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2 And saying “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

3 For this is the one Isaiah the prophet was speaking of when he said “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

4 John himself had a garment of camel’s hair, and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then Jerusalem, and Judaea, and all the region around Jordan went out to him,

6 And were baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them “O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Bear fruit consistent with repentance:

9 And do not presume to say to yourselves ‘We have Abraham as our father;’ for I say to you, that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.

10 Now the ax is laid to the root of the trees: therefore every tree which does not bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.

11 I baptize you with water for repentance. but he that is coming after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit, and with fire:

12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear the threshing floor, and gather his wheat into the barn; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him.

14 But John tried to prevent him, saying “I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?”

15 But Jesus answered  him “Allow it to be so now: for this is the way for us to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.

16 After Jesus was baptized, he went up straight up out of the water: and the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting on him:

17 And a voice from heaven said “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

See also: ESV, HCSB, NASB, NIV via Bible Gateway.