3. So John went along the Jordan Valley, telling the people, “Turn back to God and be baptized! Then your sins will be forgiven.”
4. Isaiah the prophet wrote about John when he said,“In the desertsomeone is shouting,‘Get the road readyfor the Lord!Make a straight pathfor him.
5. Fill up every valleyand level every mountainand hill.Straighten the crooked pathsand smooth outthe rough roads.
6. Then everyone will seethe saving power of God.’ ”
7. Crowds of people came out to be baptized, but John said to them, “You snakes! Who warned you to run from the coming judgment?
8. Do something to show that you really have given up your sins. Don't start saying that you belong to Abraham's family. God can turn these stones into children for Abraham.
9. An axe is ready to cut the trees down at their roots. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into a fire.”
10. The crowds asked John, “What should we do?”