1In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea
2and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
3This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him.’”
4John wore a garment of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.
5People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region around the Jordan.
6Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.
7But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his place of baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
8Produce fruit, then, in keeping with repentance.
9And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
10The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
— Matthew 3:1-10

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In those days John the Baptist came ......
Illustration of Matthew 3:1-2

Illustration of Matthew 3:1-2 -- In those days John the Baptist came ... saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

Preparing the Way
Illustration of Matthew 3:3-4 NLT

Illustration of Matthew 3:3-4 NLT -- The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John [the Baptist] when he said, "He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way for the Lord's coming! Clear the road for him!'" John's clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.

Pointing the way.
Illustration of Matthew 3:2

Inspirational illustration of Matthew 3:2 -- [In those days John the Baptist came...] saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."