This is part of a year-long reading of the Bible chronologically in a harmonized format.

Job 20:1 - 21:34

- Zophar describes the short-lived triumph and inevitable judgment of the wicked, whose pleasure turns to poison and who face God's wrath.

- Job counters by observing that the wicked often live long, prosper, grow powerful with families, and die in peace, challenging his friends' view of immediate retribution.

John 1:26-27

- John the Baptist tells the priests and Levites that he baptizes with water.

- He declares that one greater stands among them unknowingly, whose sandal strap he is unworthy to untie.

Matthew 14:4-12

- John the Baptist rebukes Herod Antipas for unlawfully marrying Herodias, his brother's wife.

- At Herodias's prompting through her daughter's dance, Herod reluctantly orders John's beheading and presents the head on a platter.

Luke 3:19-20

- John rebukes Herod the tetrarch for marrying Herodias and for his many evils.

- Herod responds by imprisoning John, adding to his wrongdoing.

Matthew 3:13-17

- Jesus comes from Galilee to be baptized by John, who initially objects, feeling unworthy.

- Jesus insists to fulfill all righteousness; upon baptism, heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and God's voice declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."