And the crowds asked John the Baptist, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” 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.”
The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What then should we do?” John
was preparing the world for Jesus’ ministry, preaching
of repentance and paving the way for followers of Christian doctrine. John’s
answer seems easy, but truly was not. Share what you have with others. If you
have enough food, give the rest to those who are in need of a meal. The tax
collectors were told, “Don’t take more than you are required to.” In other
words, don’t make yourselves rich by stealing from others. This passage always
reminds me of the hymn “They’ll Know We Are Christians”. This very familiar
hymn states that we will be known by the love that we show others through unity
and sharing the Word of God.
We have all been the recipient of God’s love,
sometimes at the most needed moments. We recently said goodbye to our
much-loved Shih Tzu, Gracie. She was our first baby, and we were devastated. As
we sat in our car afterward, crying like babies, there was a knock on my
window. A woman who had been parked next to us handed me a tiny square pocket
quilt and accompanying card. That small act of love made us immediately aware
of God’s presence with us. She reminded us that we were not alone, and that God
was now taking care of our sweet girl.
That woman identified herself as a Christian by
her act of love. She was God’s presence in the world right where and when it
was needed. May we all be known as Christians by our love.
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