1The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God,

2as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—

3“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’ ”

4And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

6John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

7And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.

8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

The Baptism and Testing of Jesus

9At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.

11And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

12At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness,

13and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.

Jesus Announces the Good News

14After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.

15“The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

Jesus Calls His First Disciples

16As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

17“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

18At once they left their nets and followed him.

19When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.

20Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit

21They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

22The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

23Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit cried out,

24“What do you want with