Scripture reference: Luke 3:10-14 (KJV)
10And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
Are you letting the world lead you?
At the time of John the Baptist, there had been no prophets in Israel for 400 years. The people had been relying on the religious leaders to show them the way to salvation, but the leaders had been giving them false information. The leaders were corrupt and told the people all that was needed was to be a descendant of Abraham. Sadly we see the same pattern of behavior today. Many people believe if they are members of a particular religious denomination, or there is a certain name on their church door, they have an automatic ticket to Heaven. Not so! We must believe Jesus is The Way to salvation, confess we are sinners, and ask Him into our hearts. That’s our ticket to Heaven!
John the Baptist was born full of the Holy Spirit and was a forerunner of Jesus Christ. Many people came to hear John speak because he was filled with the Holy Spirit and told them what God wanted them to do. John taught a message of treating others with kindness and being satisfied with what we have. When we share what we have with others, God will provide for all our needs.
In verses 10 and 11, the people ask John what they should do; he answered share what you have. When we see a need in our community, we need to meet it.
Verses 12 and 13 show the “publicans” (tax collectors) asking John what they needed to do. John answered don’t cheat the people by charging more than what they owe. Publicans were hated by the people because they were notorious for making themselves wealthy by overcharging the people on their taxes.
Even the “soldiers” (the Temple guards) got in on the conversation by asking in verse 14 what they should do. John answered, don’t be violent, don’t falsely accuse anyone, and be content with your pay.
How selfish are we? When we receive a blessing from God, do we keep it all to ourselves or do we share it with others? What does our selfishness cost? Look closely and you will see hungry and homeless children all around you. God commands us to share when we see a need.