calls Israel to account. Often directed at Israel by her prophets, repentance was required whenever she relied on ritual rather than covenant faithfulness for a right relationship with God. John confronts the interior dialogue he suspects some in his audience bring to the scene: And do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our father.” For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham (v 8). John challenges Israel’s self-understanding as the chosen people