Matthew 3:1-12 records John the Baptist's ministry baptizing at the Jordan River in the wilderness. He called his hearers to repentance and faith. He also confronted the sin of those who came to him. In particular he confronted graceless religion and beliefs that reject God's Word. These attitudes still tempt us today, so we do well to hear John's call to repentance as we look to the One who came after John for our cleansing and forgiveness.