What Then Shall We Do?

Celebrating baptism in Fort Wayne, Indiana. 

Scripture:

Luke 3:10   And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” ¹¹ In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” ¹² Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” ¹³ He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” ¹⁴ Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

Observation:

Luke the physician now focuses on John’s ability to recommend a cure for the peoples’ condition. After the call to repentance, the people ask, “What then shall we do?” The response focuses on three types of individuals; the crowd in general, tax collectors, and soldiers. Interestingly, we find conscientious use of money throughout Luke’s writing. 

The actions are quite specific, for John sees that repentance calls for a moral response. Even the poorest in the crowd might have two tunics. This is the garment that was worn closest to the skin. If you had more clothing than you needed, it’s possible that you could share what wasn’t needed with someone who was in need. 

The fact that tax collectors came to hear him preach is quite astounding. They were reviled by the public and yet, here they were, asking what they were supposed to do. Interestingly, John didn’t tell them to quit their jobs, but told them how to act morally within their current position. 

Finally, there are soldiers present. These could have been Jews in service to the government authority, or they may have been Roman soldiers, curious to hear the preaching of this man. They, too, ask what they are to do. The language used here in response is actually medical terminology that we would understand as, “first do no harm.” This comes from the idea of “shaking someone down” which had something to do with stolen figs. However, the concept is that the treatment is not supposed to hurt the patient — the soldiers are not supposed to hurt their own people — but are to be their protectors. Therefore, first, do no harm, and second, be satisfied with what you are paid. 

For those who were wanting a political response from John, they received none. He is completely apolitical here. Neale tells us, “In spite of John’s fiery apocalyptic rhetoric, the actual content of his preaching in Luke is apolitical. His is a moral vision rather than a political one” (Neale, NBBC). He goes on to say:

Following the radical apocalyptic tone in vv 7–9, it is ironic that John counsels nothing more than ethical conduct in the disposition of goods and participation in the local economy. He does not, for example, call on the crowd to rise up against Rome or the corrupt Jerusalem temple aristocracy. Neither does he condemn tax collectors for serving the oppressive powers. And Roman soldiers are encouraged only to be honest, rather than join a rebellion against the empire. (Neale, NBBC)

What asked, “What then shall we do?” John responded with moral principles that would transform society from the inside out, rather than advocating for radical social upheaval or revolution. The fruits worthy of repentance were to cease to do evil and learn to do well. 

Application:

As we read and listen to John’s preaching, I think that we also have to answer the question, “What then shall we do?” Repentance should mean action. For any who repent, life cannot continue in the same direction, and one must consider the moral response required by the gospel. We are supposed to live differently when we have been confronted with Christ. 

Many of those who came out to hear John would have thought of themselves as God-fearing Jews. These were religious people who would have believed that they had been doing the right things. They wanted to see the answer to their problems in political terms, but that was not what God had intended. 

Far too many religious people are looking for political solutions in the world. This has never been the way that God has worked or acted, and therefore, we are to listen to the moral challenge brought both by John and by Jesus. In this sense, John’s preaching brought about a spiritual revival among God’s people — and possibly among those who were not God’s people. The presence of the soldiers may have been intentional about ministry reaching to Gentiles. When God is working and bringing about revival amongst God’s people — even others respond. This is the value and purpose of having intentional times of spiritual revival or renewal. 

For those who are already Christ-followers, the call of John the Baptist is really a call to a deeper spiritual walk and commitment. As we begin this new year of 2021, I believe we are all to ask “What then shall we do?” Maybe we need a fresh infilling of God’s Holy Spirit on our lives, and this may only come about when we respond to the moral question. Spiritual renewal comes when God’s people open themselves up to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit, responding with action, and allowing that space to be filled with God’s holy presence. 

Luke often touched on the question of money, and maybe God is asking for a renewed consecration of our finances. Throughout history God’s people have been the most generous in the world. May that continue to be true as we give lavishly of that which God has given us. 

Maybe there’s an action that we need to take, or a reaction that needs to be consecrated. May this new year bring about a moral transformation and a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit in ways we may not have even imagined. This can happen when we genuinely respond to God’s word by asking, “What then shall I do?”

Prayer:

Lord, may my ears be open to hearing your words of conviction and leading in my life. Give me the courage to respond to your gentle nudges with changes in actions and behaviors so that my life might glorify you. Amen.