WHAT SHOULD WE DO

In the Gospel of Luke 3 we read of John the Baptist “preaching in the district around Jordon.” He starts his “Sermon of the Week” by addressing the crowd as a “brood of snakes.” Great opener. He then says, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’” (Or, we are safe because we are Calvinists, Methodists, Pentecostals, Mormons, Freemasons, Catholics, Baptists, Covenant, Anabaptist, Moose Lodge, Bible Church, We Got it Right Church, First Anything Church, Orthodox, Jewish, Southern Something, Northern Something, Western Something, Eastern Something, Renewed, Reformed, Refixed, Retooled, Redone, Restored, Remade, or any Re Church, or The Right Book, The Right Costume and Right Rituals Church, or the Got it All Figured Out if No One Else Does Group… John would say, “Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God.”

It must have been an effective opening because three different groups asked: “What should we do?”

The Crowds (v.10) “What should we do?”
John answered: “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

The Corrupt Tax Collectors (v.12) “What should we do?”
John answered: “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” Stop being crooked thieves who prey on your neighbors.

The Soldiers (v.14) “What should we do?”
John answered: “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

Luke 3:18 “John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.” The Good News answered the question: “what we should do.”

“The time promised by God has come at last!” The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” Jesus