The Preaching of John the Baptist

(Matthew 3.1-12; Luke 3.1-18; John 1.19-28)

This is the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

It began just as God had said in the book written by Isaiah the prophet, “I am sending my messenger to get the way ready for you.

In the desert someone is shouting, ‘Get the road ready for the Lord! Make a straight path for him.’ ”

So John the Baptist showed up in the desert and told everyone, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.”

From all Judea and Jerusalem crowds of people went to John. They told how sorry they were for their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan River.

John wore clothes made of camel's hair. He had a leather strap around his waist and ate grasshoppers and wild honey.

John also told the people, “Someone more powerful is going to come. And I am not good enough even to stoop down and untie his sandals.

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

As soon as Jesus came out of the water, he saw the sky open and the Holy Spirit coming down to him like a dove.

A voice from heaven said, “You are my own dear Son, and I am pleased with you.”

Jesus and Satan

(Matthew 4.1-11; Luke 4.1-13)

At once God's Spirit made Jesus go into the desert.

He stayed there for 40 days while Satan tested him. Jesus was with the wild animals, but angels took care of him.

He said, “The time has come! God's kingdom will soon be here. Turn back to God and believe the good news!”

Jesus Chooses Four Fishermen

(Matthew 4.18-22; Luke 5.1-11)

As Jesus was walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were fishermen and were casting their nets into the lake.

Jesus said to them, “Follow me! I will teach you how to bring in people instead of fish.”

Jesus walked on and soon saw James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in a boat, mending their nets.

A Man with an Evil Spirit

(Luke 4.31-37)

Jesus and his disciples went to the town of Capernaum. Then on the next Sabbath he went into the synagogue and started teaching.

Suddenly a man with an evil spirit in him entered the synagogue and yelled,

Jesus told the evil spirit, “Be quiet and come out of the man!”

The spirit shook him. Then it gave a loud shout and left.

Everyone was completely surprised and kept saying to each other, “What is this? It must be some new kind of powerful teaching! Even the evil spirits obey him.”

News about Jesus quickly spread all over Galilee.

Jesus Heals Many People

(Matthew 8.14-17; Luke 4.38-41)

As soon as Jesus left the synagogue with James and John, they went home with Simon and Andrew.

When they got there, Jesus was told that Simon's mother-in-law was sick in bed with fever.

Jesus went to her. He took hold of her hand and helped her up. The fever left her, and she served them a meal.