1) John the Baptist began preaching in the wilderness, calling people to repent of their sins and be baptized. He quoted scripture about preparing the way for the Lord. 2) John told the crowds that came to him that they must prove their repentance through their actions. He warned that unfruitful people would be cut down. 3) John was imprisoned by Herod for criticizing Herod's marriage to his brother's wife. John stayed true to his message about repenting and preparing for the coming Messiah.