Anchor My Faith

What Shall We Do They Asked

Scripture: Luke 3:10-14

For more of what John is teaching, we direct our attention to Luke 3 and start at verse 10: “And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”” (Luke 3:10 ESV). Because of what John has been saying to the people, then under conviction, they ask what they should do. This is a question that is asked again and again in Scripture. One example is given in Acts 2:37 (ESV): “Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”” Answer: True repentance requires a change in ethical behavior.

To the question being asked, John now gives an example: “And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.”” (Luke 3:11 ESV). One of the first things they could do is to help the poor according to their ability. If, for example, they had two tunics (a garment worn under the cloak and next to the skin) and someone had none, they should give up one of their tunics to meet the need of the one who lacked. There are other ways to help those in need and one of those is if someone is hungry, food could be provided. As Paul said in Philippians 2:4 (NKJV): “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” The point that stands out here is the idea of giving; sacrificing for the needs of others.

In the crowds were tax collectors and some of them had a question: “Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”” (Luke 3:12 ESV). These tax collectors worked for Rome and collected tolls, tariffs, and customs, and were known to be corrupt, keeping profits for themselves, and were despised by the people. John responded to their question: “And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.”” (Luke 3:13 ESV). John didn’t tell them to quit their profession, but to be honest in doing their job.

There was another group of people in the crowd: “Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.”” (Luke 3:14 ESV). Soldiers, like the tax collectors, were to avoid moral temptations of their profession. In both cases, working for the Roman government is not morally wrong, but those who do are to conduct themselves with proper behavior toward others. They are not to take advantage of others, when they have the power to do so, but to treat them with fairness and respect.

Prayer

Father, how important it is to look out for the interest of others and not just our own interest. Our sinful nature tends to keep for ourselves and to give to meet the needs of others means less for us. Father, I think of all that Jesus gave up and suffered for meeting our need of salvation. He set a very high standard for us; one that we will be confronted with again and again in future studies.