“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher,” they asked, “what should we do?” “Don’t collect any more than you are required to,” he told them. Then some soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He replied, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.” Luke 3:10-14
“Performance matters; forgiveness that comes with repentance must lead to action. John instructs the crowds to share clothing and food with those who lack these necessities (v. 11). Tax collectors and soldiers receive similar charges: they are to deal honestly and justly with others when they might be expected instead to exploit their positions (vv. 13, 14). A community of persons who have received John’s baptism will be marked by compassionate care for the needy and by justice. John may preach in the wilderness, but his message of forgiveness and repentance directs the people back to their homes and villages, restoring authentic community.”
John T. Carroll in Luke: A Commentary (The NT Library; Louisville: WJKP, 2012) 93.
The Greek verb translated “to do” or “to perform” appears seven times in this text. Repentance leads to restorative action. What we believe in Christ shapes our lives and leads to the restoration of community around us.
I am flying to Chicago today to celebrate God’s work through Alpha Chicago at a dinner and for meetings at their Bannockburn office tomorrow. I love how Alpha points people to repentance and their Relationship Central programs help people experience authentic Christian community.