Some of the Jews were wanting to get baptized by John (the Baptist) just before the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry when he began to give them a firm lecture about acting out the faith they claimed to have. If they truly were repenting of all their evil ways, there should have been some evidence of it. It seems they figured since they were Jewish by blood, and by religion, they didn’t really need to do much more. The truth couldn’t have been further away–in fact, their reliance on those things without repenting was the easiest thing they could do. They were essentially doing nothing–going on with their lives as always. God rarely asks us to do anything easy! Those who call themselves Christians today could learn a lot from this. Resting on one’s “heritage” or at least thinking you’re resting on it, might just prove you don’t have the Spirit at all. Faith must instill real change and action on the part of the faithful. If it doesn’t, it isn’t faith in God.
Here’s just a little of the medicine John gave his unrepentant kinsmen:
“What should we do then?” the crowd asked. John answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Tax collectors also 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
In Christ,
PastorJimKilby @Kilbin8er
Jim@JamesKilby.com
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