Luke 3:2-9

2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God’s word came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

3He went into all the vicinity of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

4as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!

5Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be made low; the crooked will become straight, the rough ways smooth,

6and everyone will see the salvation of God.

7He then said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?

8Therefore produce fruit consistent with repentance. And don’t start saying to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones.

9The ax is already at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”