Abuse of power. Reigns of terror. Genocide. Sexual scandals. Religious leaders worming their way into the halls of government. Such was the state of the world when the word of God came unto John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. To the world of that day, God sent a preacher to prepare people to recognize and receive His Son as their Savior. 2000 years later, the state of the world is not much changed, and God's method for reaching people remains the same.  This passage helps us understand why.