John the Baptist's ministry prepared hearts for Jesus through what practice?

• A. Pilgrimages to Jerusalem.
• B. Temple sacrifices.
• C. Military campaigns.
• D. Repentance.

Answer: (D)

Repentance is the practice John the Baptist emphasized to prepare hearts for Jesus. He preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, calling people to turn away from sin, confess their faults, and live in a way that shows alignment with God’s will. This inner turning creates a posture ready to receive Jesus, because readiness to meet the Messiah requires a transformed life that bears fruit in keeping with repentance. Pilgrimages, temple sacrifices, and military campaigns aren’t what John emphasized; his focus was on turning the heart and reorienting one’s life toward God as the necessary preparation for Jesus’ coming.