John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins [that is, requiring a change of one’s old way of thinking, turning away from sin and seeking God and His righteousness].

and saying, “The [appointed period of] time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins, live your life in a way that proves repentance; seek God’s purpose for your life] and believe [with a deep, abiding trust] in the good news [regarding salvation].”

And he said, "Whoever has ears to hear had better listen!"

If anyone has ears to hear, he had better listen!"

And there was a woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years ??26 she had suffered a great deal under a number of doctors and had spent all her means but was none the better; in fact she was rather worse.

and had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, but was no better; on the contrary, rather grew worse.

So they went out and preached that men should repent [that is, think differently, recognize sin, turn away from it, and live changed lives].

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones, that believe in me: it were better for him, that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were cast into the sea.

Wherefore, if thy hand offend thee, cut him off. It is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than to go, having two hands, into hell: into fire that never shall be quenched,

45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off.[note: idiom meaning to stop doing a sin] It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into hell.

Likewise, if thy foot offend thee, cut him off. For it is better for thee to go halt into life, than, having two feet, to be cast into hell: into fire that never shall be quenched,

47 If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out.[note: idiom meaning to stop doing a sin] It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell,

Even so, if thine eye offend thee, pluck him out. It is better for thee to go into the kingdom of God with one eye, than, having two eyes, to be cast into hell fire:

but shall receive at present in this age, what will be a hundred times better to him, than houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, tho' with persecution: and in the age to come eternal life.

and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength; and to love his neighbour as himself, is better than all burnt offerings, and sacrifices.

True, the Son of Man must go, as Scripture says of him, yet alas for that man by whom the Son of Man is being betrayed! For that man 'it would be better never to have been born!'"