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and Annas and Caiaphas were High Priests. At that time the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert.
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So John went throughout the whole territory of the Jordan River, preaching, "Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins."
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As it is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah:
1 "Someone is shouting in the desert: "Get the road ready for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!
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Every valley must be filled up, every hill and mountain leveled off. The winding roads must be made straight, and the rough paths made smooth.
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The whole human race will see God's salvation!' "
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Crowds of people came out to John to be baptized by him. "You snakes!" he said to them. "Who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to send?
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Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. And don't start saying among yourselves that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham!
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The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire."
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The people asked him, "What are we to do, then?"
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He answered, "Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it."
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Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what are we to do?"
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