God had directed John the Baptist to dwell in the wilderness, that he might be shielded from the influence of the priests and rabbis, and be prepared for a special mission. But the austerity and isolation of his life were not an example for the people. John himself had not directed his hearers to forsake their former duties. He bade them give evidence of their repentance by faithfulness to God in the place where He had called them.

Gud havde sendt Johannes Døber ud i ørkenen, for at han kunne være skærmet mod præsternes og de skriftkloges indflydelse og blive forberedt til en ganske særlig tjeneste. Men hans strenge og isolerede tilværelse skulle ikke være et forbillede for folket. Johannes havde ikke selv påbudt sine tilhørere at forlade deres tidligere pligter. Han bød dem give beviser på deres omvendelse ved at være tro mod Gud på det sted, hvor han havde sat dem.