Mark - Matthew 3

Chapter 3 begins with John the Baptist preaching. (v2) "Turn from your sins...turn to God...for the Kingdom of Heaven is coming soon." is John's deliberate message. His words are so influencial that the hypocritical Pharisees and Sadducees even travel into the wilderness to be baptized. These high and mighty leaders are given a dope slap back to reality by the prophet who tells them repent or suffer God's judgement. John doesn't feel it is appropiate for him to baptize Jesus but in fullfillment of a plan that is unfolding he does. God is "wonderfully" pleased with Jesus after He is baptized. God's plan is taking shape to save mankind through his own Son who will make the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.