Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Luke 2-3
Luke 3:10
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
The people that heard John preach had one question, “What shall we do then?” Their question was in response to what they had just heard. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. John the Baptist likened individuals to trees. Some trees bring forth good fruit, and others do not yield good fruit. Those that bring forth good fruit are not cast into the fire, the trees filled with bad fruit are cast into the fire. The axe being laid unto the root of the trees happens to all, the only difference is good fruit or not good fruit.
Those that heard him must have wanted to know what is good fruit? The word “then” on the end of their question seems to base their inquiry on his immediate teaching. No-one in their right mind would choose to be cast into a fire, so they needed help understanding exactly how to bring forth good fruit. John told them five things, addressed to three different groups, but all are good for all groups anywhere, anyplace, and at any time. These are the five things John stated that they should do.
To the people in general who asked, he said basically to give. …He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. (vs. 11)
To the publicans (tax collectors) who asked, he said basically to be fair. …Exact no more than that which is appointed you. (vs. 13)
To the soldiers who didn’t ask but demanded of him, he said three things.
One, …Do violence to no man…
Two, …neither accuse any falsely…
Three, …be content with your wages.
These five areas, giving, fairness, lack of violence, no false accusations, and financial contentment are universal. We all, in a measure, are tempted in each of these areas. We desire to keep, take advantage, be violent, accuse others, and desire to obtain more money than we earn, but John the Baptist taught the opposite. These are the actions that bring forth good fruit in a person’s life.
These are also the actions, or should be the actions, of a person who repents and turns to Christ. Many thought John the Baptist to be the Christ, a notion he swiftly put out of their minds saying …one mightier than I cometh… (vs. 16) Of course He is speaking of Jesus, the Messiah, the one spoken of and in all the prophets, who at that time dwelled among them, and would soon die for them. John was simply the forerunner, the one who was to prepare the way. Just as was prophesied in Isaiah 40. He was teaching, preaching, proclaiming a new way of living. He was attempting to make the crooked straight. He simultaneously brought the high low and lifted the low up high. He was making smooth those that were rough. He was bringing folks to the One of whom John said was mightier than I. He was bringing them to Christ, of whom he would say, …Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
Speaking of good works, Jesus summed it all up when He proclaimed …This is the work of God, that he believe on him whom he hath sent. (John 6:29) Believing on “him” which is Christ, always results in the performance of those five things that John taught the people and so, so, so, much more.
Dr. William T. Howe
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