8 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.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?”11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” 12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” 14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
- Luke 3:8
The words that John the Baptist spoke during this time was very straight forward, direct and harsh. There was no hypocrisy or sugar coated words to lighten the gravity of what he wanted to do. Rebuking everyone especially those that are being dependent on their national standing - being jewish does not get you to Heaven. Going to church will not get you to Heaven, being good is not enough to bring you salvation. There are only two kinds of people that may react to the hurtful rebuke of John. The first ones are those with humble hearts. Those who are humble are the ones who asked John "What should we do?" People who think are righteous, who think they are doing good enough to deserve the goodness of GOD are the ones who are not likely to take the words of John lightly.
The second group of people would react violently to this, being offended and plotting to kill John the moment He said these words. Why? The proud don't like to be corrected. They feel they are right, they are good enough when in fact they are self-righteous meaning, righteous only in their own thinking, actually proud in themselves because they would not accept correction in fact they will think they are so right they will kill the ones that think they are otherwise. Asking the question "what should I do?" is the right response to such rebuke. If you are truly humble, you will not be offended by any kind of rebuke but will be grateful to be corrected. Proverbs 12:15 says "Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others." Are you unteachable? Then you are a fool. It is better to ask the question "What should I do?" for you are wise and humble.
- Luke 3:8
The words that John the Baptist spoke during this time was very straight forward, direct and harsh. There was no hypocrisy or sugar coated words to lighten the gravity of what he wanted to do. Rebuking everyone especially those that are being dependent on their national standing - being jewish does not get you to Heaven. Going to church will not get you to Heaven, being good is not enough to bring you salvation. There are only two kinds of people that may react to the hurtful rebuke of John. The first ones are those with humble hearts. Those who are humble are the ones who asked John "What should we do?" People who think are righteous, who think they are doing good enough to deserve the goodness of GOD are the ones who are not likely to take the words of John lightly.
The second group of people would react violently to this, being offended and plotting to kill John the moment He said these words. Why? The proud don't like to be corrected. They feel they are right, they are good enough when in fact they are self-righteous meaning, righteous only in their own thinking, actually proud in themselves because they would not accept correction in fact they will think they are so right they will kill the ones that think they are otherwise. Asking the question "what should I do?" is the right response to such rebuke. If you are truly humble, you will not be offended by any kind of rebuke but will be grateful to be corrected. Proverbs 12:15 says "Fools think they need no advice, but the wise listen to others." Are you unteachable? Then you are a fool. It is better to ask the question "What should I do?" for you are wise and humble.
