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.”
16-18. Passing along the beach of Lake Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew net-fishing. Fishing was their regular work. Jesus said to them, “Come with me. I’ll make a new kind of fisherman out of you. I’ll show you how to catch men and women instead of perch and bass.” They didn’t ask questions. They dropped their nets and followed.