John the Baptist's wilderness preaching-place was a popular destination (Mark 1:5).  Many came because they longed for the Messiah to come, and wanted to be ready for Him.  But many others were like religious tourists: curious, intrigued but self-centred and hard-hearted.  They came to socialise, criticise or to offer their patronage, but had no intention of listening to the message or repenting of their sins.  Some of the spiritual leaders came from Jerusalem, but John saw no evidence of repentance.

Those people were dressed in their religious robes, spiritually proud and believing that their heritage (being descended from Abraham) guaranteed their place in God's family.  ‘Not so’, said John.  People who love religion but hate repentance are as poisonous as deadly snakes; they are corrupt and can easily corrupt others.  Like non-fruiting trees they are a dangerous waste of space.  Repentance is all about change (Acts 26:20).  

So, John challenged the religious and irreligious to show how they had changed.  It was useless to have pride in knowing God’s law if they refused to obey it.  Genuine submission to God is marked by sober repentance - seeking forgiveness and awesomely respecting God’s right to judge sinners (Luke 3:8-14).  Roman soldiers should treat people generously and kindly, and religious officials should be humble and confess their sins.

Pride is a monster which consumes those who refuse to turn away from it.  It occurs in people with no faith (proud to be self-sufficient) as easily as in those who adhere to a creed.  Although some church-goers may think that confession and baptism are mechanical religious rites which cleanse the soul, true repentance is expressed in a transformed lifestyle which makes baptism meaningful.  Real reconciliation with God has an urgency, knowing the awesomeness of His wrath and being passionate to be 'in the right' with Him.  John’s warning, that those who are satisfied by fruitless repentance will be cut down and thrown into the fire, is still valid.  All those who fear the Lord will repent – and that is the beginning of wisdom (Psalm 111:10).