He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John the Baptist was the announcer, the forerunner of Jesus, the Christ.  His job was to prepare the way for Jesus.  He was preparing the hearts of the people by calling them to repent.   Think  of our own lives when we repent before the Lord.  In those tender moments we are able to hear the Lord’s voice so clearly.  John’s call to repentance is the perfect preparation for the arrival of the Saviour.  John was leading them to Jesus.  Jesus would lead them to God.