The kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 3:1-3, In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’”

John’s role was to pave the way for Jesus, the promised one of prophecy, who brings the only remedy for the great bondage of corruption of sin and the restoration of our relationship with God. People came to repent because they recognized their own great need. John was “filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mothers womb,” and Jesus has sent us the same Holy Spirit: “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” It’s easy for us to pray that others will be convicted; am I willing to ask for that same conviction?

Come Holy Spirit, convict me concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.

ESV Lectionary