“What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
This question was the crowd’s response to John’s rebuke – the crowd had come out to be baptized by John, and he said to them that they needed to produce fruit in keeping with repentance. John also explained to them that the ax of God was already at the root of the trees, and every tree that did not produce good fruit would be cut down and thrown into the fire.
So, John gave his first response to their question, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”
Then, the corrupt tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they asked the same question, “Teacher, what should we do?” To this, John replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”
Then some soldiers came and asked him the same question, “What should we do?” So, John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”
These different groups of people were all asking John the same question – “What should we do to produce good fruit?” And his answers were all based on the underlying principles of love, fairness, justice, and doing what is right.
To each group, John was simply saying, in whatever situation you find yourself, whatever work you do, and in your daily life – work towards love, fairness, justice, and doing what is right.
Luke 3:7-14 (NLT and NIV).