So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.” (Luke 3:10-14)

How The World Thinks

John the Baptist served as the forerunner for Jesus Christ, preparing the way for the Son of God. His teaching was bold, abrupt, and left no questions about the need for repentance. He preached a message of change. The world stood at odds with John’s teaching as he preached sermons for the hearts and minds of men to stop thinking like the world. Repentance is a heart issue. John’s fierce message of spiritual revolution attracted the devoted among God’s people and influenced the Roman world because of its radical change.

The people who heard John were astonished. Some asked the forerunner what they needed to do to change. John’s answers were decisive and clear. He showed them how the world does not abide by the doctrines of God. The way the world thinks is based on pride. Covetousness is the carnal sin of the world because men are more interested in gaining possessions and hoarding everything for themselves. John preaches a message of benevolence. Tunics were a vital part of the Bible world. God always wanted the needy to be cared for. If a man had two tunics and someone was in need, they would give them a tunic. The tunics were important parts of the Bible times. They were used for protection, shade, and, on a cold night, warmth. Under the Law of Moses, the poor were always to be respected and cared for.

John compared the attitude of the world with the heart of those who serve God. The world did not care for the needy. In the story of Lazarus and the rich man, Lazarus was in need, and the rich man never shared his wealth. The rich man characterized the world view of covetousness and greed. Lazarus wanted only the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. John taught the people of God to help those who hunger and thirst. The abundance a man possesses is given to them by the Lord to share with others.

During the Roman occupation, Jews would be hired to serve as tax collectors. These men would be required to levy the tax prescribed by Rome. It was also the common practice of tax collectors to collect above the levied tax at their discretion. The Romans did not care as long as they received the tax required, which made tax collectors very rich men. John told the tax collectors to be honest and collect only the amount prescribed by Rome. This would have been a difficult thing to do. Learning contentment and honesty was not the common practice among tax collectors. The world taught men to take advantage of others, while the Lord taught His disciples to be honest and truthful.

Roman soldiers wielded great power over the populace. They could do anything they wanted without fear of retribution. All citizens were required to obey the soldiers except for Roman citizens. Soldiers would use intimidation to get what they wanted. If they falsely accused someone, they could take what they had. They could also steal from businesses and individuals with impunity. John told the soldiers to be honest and content with their Roman wages. This was a radical teaching for the soldiers accused of doing whatever they wanted whenever they wanted.

John was not only the forerunner of Jesus, but his teachings were also the preamble to the teachings of Jesus. The Holy Spirit taught the same message in the early church, where the contrast of the world is at odds with the virtues of the Christian. Disciples of Jesus need to be benevolent in their care for others. There must be an example of honesty and truthfulness in the lives of Christians. Contentment is the principle whereby the follower of Jesus shows the world what is important. These principles are taught throughout the New Testament so the Christian can let his light shine among men, and the world can see God and glorify Him. The child of God should not have the spirit or mind of the world. Their lives should be changed to be like Jesus Christ.