Why did the people respond to John the Baptist when he came with a very shocking and condemning message?

Answer 1

The time in history was ripe for the announcing of a new way of life--repent and be saved..That was the message of John the Baptist..who told of one greater than himself.. (Jesus, the Messiah)

one whose sandal he was not worthy to untie..

John's style of vocalizing his message was powerful, and he was not afraid to upset the establishment and undermine consciouses such as Herod who was the Jewish ruler at the time. So impressed was Herod by John the Baptist, that he listened to him and was disturbed that he was not in keeping with what was right. However, his ego and his public image with the people were more important to Herod in the end. The mistake of vowing anything to Salome, who did her dance of seduction, sealed the fate of John the Baptist as Salome's request was the head of the Baptist on a platter.