It is hard to say why John's message of repentance was rejected by the religious leaders and Jewish scholars. You would think they would be the ones most familiar with their nation's history and the warnings of the prophets of old. How could they become so blinded by the corruption of the world below that they failed to recognize the call from the Father above? After all, they were the leaders of the people God himself selected as his own. Maybe it was this feeling of empowerment, pride and power that led them to this false hope in their own righteousness. Perhaps it was God's plan to use them as warning to us who are so richly blessed today.