Some people are quick on their feet. When asked a squirrelly question, they respond with grace, wisdom, and poignancy.
Not me.
My amber eyes bulge wide. My cheeks glow pink. My voice goes silent. When I start to utter syllables, I stammer. Silence thickens.
Can I have some time to think about that? I, um, respond.
Let me get back to you in three months, is what I really mean.
My brain runs on a low grade processing system, which is fine unless I’m put on the spot. Then everything goes blank.
Maybe that happens to you, too.
If this is a foreign experience for you, I’m jelly for sure.
The third chapter of Luke opens with more political backdrop (see the significance here) before introducing us to John the Baptist all grown up.
John is a rough n’ tumble preacher proclaiming an unwavering message of pulling a hard U-turn back toward God.
The harsh rhetoric, which borders on vicious, thunders throughout the desert. His words demand people prepare their hearts and homes for the arrival of God, to make way for the parade of God’s salvation.
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath.” (Luke 3:7)
John doesn’t show a shade of concern with being politically correct.
Listeners’ hearts tear open. They must know how to respond. These big demands need practical every day answers or the people won’t be able to respond fully.
John the Baptist is put on the spot.
What should we do then? they ask. (Luke 3:10).
John is quick on his feet. No hesitation. No pause.
To the crowds, John instructs:
“Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same.”
To the tax collectors, John instructs:
“Don’t collect any more than you are required to.”
To the soldiers, John instructs:
“Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay.”
If you reread Luke 3:11-14, you’ll discover the question remains the same: What should we do?
The answer only differs based on who is asking the question.
As I reflect on the core question—what should we do?—or more personally—how should I live?—I’m wonderstruck by the simplicity and beauty of John’s response.
In essence, John’s instructions call us to:
Share.
Be Fair.
Dare to Live Content.
We’ve been blessed to be a blessing. So share what we have with those who don’t.
Be honest in all our dealings even when others are not. Practice fairness especially in an unjust system.
Dare to live a life of contentment no matter your power or position.
In some ways John the Baptist’s grace and wisdom-laced responses build on each other.
As we share, our hearts open to others.
As we practice honesty and fairness, our hearts open to others.
As we dare to live content, our hearts open to others.
Compassion gurgles and bubbles within us until we find ourselves living out the Shema to love God and humanity with everything.
Today, may we be the people who share, be fair, and learn to live content. Amen.
Which of these—share, be fair, or contentment—do you struggle with the most? Why?
