3. So he went through the whole area around the Jordan River and told the people God’s message. He told them to be baptized to show that they wanted to change their lives, and then their sins would be forgiven.
4. This is like the words written in the book of Isaiah the prophet: “There is someone shouting in the desert: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord. Make the road straight for him.
5. Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made flat. Crooked roads will be made straight, and rough roads will be made smooth.
6. Then everyone will see how God will save his people!’” Isaiah 40:3-5
7. Crowds of people came to be baptized by John. But he said to them, “You are all snakes! Who warned you to run from God’s judgment that is coming?
8. Change your hearts! And show by your lives that you have changed. I know what you are about to say—‘but Abraham is our father!’ That means nothing. I tell you that God can make children for Abraham from these rocks!
9. The ax is now ready to cut down the trees. Every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10. The people asked John, “What should we do?”
11. He answered, “If you have two shirts, share with someone who does not have one. If you have food, share that too.”
12. Even the tax collectors came to John. They wanted to be baptized. They said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?”