The answer is: Pharisees and Sadducees

Matt 3:7

In the rugged wilderness, not just a casual stroll away from civilized Judea, John the Baptist was creating quite the stir. This wild-haired prophet was uncommonly bold, proclaiming the advent of a new era as he baptized crowds in the Jordan River. You might picture John as wearing minimalist hippie garb—lambskin, with a diet of locusts and honey—against a backdrop filled with pebbled paths and open skies. But amidst this scene, John's scathing critique of the religious leaders echoes loud and clear when he labels the Pharisees and Sadducees a “brood of vipers.”

This expression reveals a lot about John’s worldview. He saw these leaders as corrupt and hypocritical, more focused on maintaining the status quo than genuine repentance. It’s striking how he juxtaposes imagery of a snake—often a sign of deceit in biblical symbolism—with the high and mighty of religious society. Being seen as descendants of snakes wasn't just an insult; it highlighted their spiritual lethargy and lack of authenticity.

Interesting fact: the crunch time for Pharisees came soon after Jesus began His ministry, leading to a roll-call of conflict between Him and these religious elite. Their rigorous adherence to law versus the spirit of the law creates a dialogue that resonates throughout the Gospels and echoes in countless spiritual discussions today. John's crusade against hypocrisy lays foundational stones in this ongoing dialogue about sincerity in faith—a theme as relevant now as it was back then!