John demands the evidence or fruit of repentance, not merely the religious status quo. They would not submit to baptism, the kind of purification required only of Gentile converts to Judaism. They were Jews, circumcised, sons of Abraham, with a full pedigree. For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
Judgment is about ready to begin.
Now is the time for repentance. Let's look at the fruit of our lives. Many of his hearers are cut to the heart. To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. What a simple statement, but it drives to the root of our own selfishness and greed.