Mark 1:1-4

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

just as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending My messenger before You, Who will prepare Your way;

The voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, Make His paths straight!’ ”

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.