1-3. The good news of Jesus Christ—the Message!—begins here, following to the letter the scroll of the prophet Isaiah.Watch closely: I’m sending my preacher ahead of you;He’ll make the road smooth for you.Thunder in the desert!Prepare for God’s arrival!Make the road smooth and straight!
12-13. At once, this same Spirit pushed Jesus out into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by Satan. Wild animals were his companions, and angels took care of him.
14-15. After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee preaching the Message of God: “Time’s up! God’s kingdom is here. Change your life and believe the Message.”