| 10And the people asked him, saying, "What shall we do then?" 11He answered and said 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." 15And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts whether John was the Christ or not, 16John answered, saying unto them all, "I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I cometh, the straps of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose. He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. 17His winnowing fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor and will gather the wheat into His garner; but the chaff He will burn with fire unquenchable." John the Baptist was preaching the repentance for the remission of sins as the preparation for the way of the Lord, and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!" And he warned, "Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance," and "Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire." Despite Isreali people had been chosen by God, while saying "Lord, Lord," their hearts were away from the true Lord. The crowd asked him, "What shall we do then?" and he taught them, "If you have enough, share some to him who doesn't have any." If you really know God, you will know the rich blessing the Lord gives you, and will be able to share the blessing to the poor. One who shares the blessing will receive more from Lord. Then tax cellectors asked him, "Master, what shall we do?" Tax collectors who had been collecting tax for the Roman Empire from Israeli people who had been under its control, were disliked by them, because they often had collected more than what had been appointed. Even they also came to John to receive the baptism of repentance, and asked him who was preaching repentance, "What shall we do?" John taught them not to collect more than what was decided. For God is righteous, He does right matters, and help the weak and the poor, not to oppress them. |
Roman soldiers also asked John, "What shall we do?" because they, who were working in the organisation of order and authority, wanted to know what they should do to fear properly the domination and the authority of God who had the true authority, and to escape the judgement of God. John answered to them, "Don't take money by force from anyone, and don't blame innocent people. Be satisfied with your salary." God governs properly, and He uses His authority accurately and protects the weak and the innocent. You should not use your social position for your desire nor benefit. The crowd, tax collectors and soldiers came to John and asked him, "What shall we do?" because they were aware of their own sins, and felt the need to be forgiven and to escape the judgement of God. John was preaching repentance and what was the deed which was worthy to repentance concretely. Because people were waiting for the Saviour, they thought John might be Christ. John was baptising with water, however, he told them that the Saviour who had more power than him would come and give the baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire. Those who believe Jesus Christ as the Savior will receive the Holy Spirit which is the Spirit of God and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And your sins will be burnt with fire, and the Saviour will purify the whole world. The Saviour also judges on the seat of God in heaven. Those who believe Jesus will receive the salvation and will live with God in His Kingdom forever, but those who don't believe Jesus nor repent will receive the penalty for their sins and will be burnt with fire which won't go out forever. As John who had received the mission to prepare the way for the Saviour had said, Jesus, the Saviour accomplished the work of redemption by His cross. Those who believe Jesus will be saved and justified, and will receive eternal life. John had accomplished his work to preach repentance to the people, as the preparation for the Savior's way, before He came. |
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