Last week, we were introduced to John the Baptist's public ministry as the Word of God came to him in the wilderness. The way in which Luke records this event sounds like an insult to the political and religious leaders in power. The Word of God didn’t come to them, it came to the one who had humbled himself under God's mighty hand, resulting in a provocative call for repentance.I challenged you last week to imagine yourself in that crowd as John preached and baptized, and to think seriously about an area(s) where you sense the Spirit of God calling you to practice repentance and follow through in obedience. Did you take that challenge? Did God reveal anything to you? If so, how are you going to respond to what He said? If not, I strongly encourage you to ask again; we should all make this a regular part of our prayer life.Today, we return to the Jordan River, near Bethany (Jn. 1:28), where John is still baptizing. He isn't making it easy though. Just stepping into the water isn't enough; the people need "receipts." John’s demanding proof of sincerity: "If you want to be baptized, prove it! Show me something so I can know you’re sincere!" Before John would immerse them, they had to demonstrate evidence of a genuine change of heart and mind that led to a corresponding change in behavior.