Show Don't Tell: Matthew 3:1-12

Instead of saying "John the Baptist preached repentance," walk into the wilderness. The Jordan Valley—scorched earth, hostile terrain. And there he is: wild hair, leather belt, camel-hair coat, locusts and honey on his breath. He looks like Elijah resurrected. His voice echoes off canyon walls: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near!" Watch the crowds streaming out from Jerusalem—priests, peasants, soldiers, tax collectors—wading into muddy water to be baptized. But when the Pharisees arrive, John's tone shifts to venom: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?" His ax metaphors land hard: trees not bearing fruit, cut down, thrown into fire. "I baptize with water, but someone is coming who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire." Feel the anticipation crackling. Something—someone—is about to change everything.