"He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17)

Part of the work of John the baptist was to turn the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. The people of his day had drifted from God and disobedience was prevalent. John had to teach them the wisdom of the righteous who obey God. This would prepare them for the kingdom.

Likewise, today, man has drifted from God and needs to be taught the importance of obedience. Jesus said, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46). The Hebrew writer said, "And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him..." (Heb. 5:9). Obedience is an important part of the kingdom.