What Jesus Did! 'What Should We Do?' — Luke 3:10-14

Sunday, February 12, 2023

[In response to John's accusation, the] crowds asked, "What should we do?"

John replied, "If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry."

Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, "Teacher, what should we do?"

He replied, "Collect no more taxes than the government requires."

"What should we do?" asked some soldiers.

John replied, "Don't extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay."

— Luke 3:10-14 NLT

Key Thought

As Luke tells the story of Jesus' earthly ministry in the Gospel of Luke and the story of Jesus' heavenly ministry through the Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts, he comes back to this question again and again, "What should we [I] do?" [1] This is THE question Luke wants all of us to ask. Luke is looking for more than just, "What must I believe?" God uses Luke to speak to our times when goodness and godliness are sometimes associated with only what we feel or what we think. Change has to change more than just what goes on in the gray matter between our ears. Yes, God wants our hearts, minds, and souls to be thoroughly convicted and passionate. [2] Yes, without faith and love, all action is hollow and vain. [3] But, the Bible makes clear that faith is not genuine if all it does is change what we think. Real faith leads us to action. [4] Faith is always displayed in action based upon trust - it is never just mere wistful thinking or good intentions. When Jesus enters our world, he changes it. When Jesus enters our lives, he changes them. So the question of each day, the ultimate question of faith, is this: "What, Lord, should I do?" Why not begin each day by asking Jesus that question?

[1] Luke 3:10, 10:25, 11:42, 17:10, 17:31, 18:18; Acts 1:2, 2:37, 9:6, 16:30, 22:10, 26:20.
[2] Acts 2:37; Romans 2:15; 2 Corinthians 7:10; Hebrews 3:14; Revelation 3:15-16.
[3] 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
[4] Ephesians 2:8-10; James 2:14-26.

Today's Prayer

O God, guide my steps, lead my heart, and form my character. I want my faith to be more than mental. I want my love for you to be displayed in what I do and how I do it. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 3:10-14 NLT — "Don't extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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