Luke 3:10
And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Luke 3:10
And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This isn't just a question; it's the sound of hearts cracking open! The crowds aren't asking out of mere curiosity, but out of a profound, urgent need to know how to live out the repentance John has so powerfully stirred within them.
John the Baptist has just delivered a fiery sermon, calling the crowds "offspring of vipers" and warning them that the axe is poised to cut down every unproductive tree. This harsh, yet honest, assessment of their spiritual state, combined with his call for "fruits worthy of repentance," prompts the people to cry out, "What then shall we do?" Their question is a desperate plea for direction, seeking practical ways to demonstrate a genuine turn from sin and escape God's coming judgment.
John the Baptist preaches a message of urgent repentance, but it’s not just about feeling sorry. What does genuine change look like in action?
John’s message is a wake-up call. He confronts the crowds, even calling some 'offspring of vipers' (Luke 3:7), not to condemn them, but to shock them out of complacency.
Beyond 'Feeling'
He insists that repentance isn't just an emotion or a thought; it must produce tangible results. He calls for 'fruits worthy of repentance' (Luke 3:8). This means that the internal change must lead to external actions that demonstrate a transformed heart.
The Axe at the Root
John warns that judgment is imminent, like an axe laid at the root of trees (Luke 3:9). Those that don't bear good fruit will be cut down. This isn't a threat of arbitrary destruction, but a clear picture that genuine faith leads to a life of obedience and good works.
The crowds are ready to act, but they need direction. What does John's advice tell us about living out our faith in everyday life?
John doesn't just preach a general call to repentance; he gives specific, practical instructions tailored to different groups. This shows that true repentance impacts every area of life.
For Everyone:
For Tax Collectors:
The question, 'What then shall we do?' arises from a powerful moment of conviction, where John's urgent message about judgment and repentance creates a palpable sense of unease and a deep desire in people to know how to respond. It's not just a theological inquiry but a heartfelt plea for practical guidance in light of impending divine action.
c. 27-28 AD— this verse
John the Baptist's Ministry Begins
John the Baptist starts preaching in the wilderness of Judea, calling people to repentance and preparing the way for Jesus.
c. 27-28 AD
People Question John's Message
Multitudes flock to John, including Pharisees and Sadducees. His powerful message of repentance and impending judgment prompts questions from various groups.
c. 27-28 AD
John's Counsel to Different Groups
John gives specific instructions on how to live out repentance to tax collectors, soldiers, and the general populace, emphasizing justice, mercy, and contentment.
c. 27-28 AD
John Baptizes Disciples
John baptizes those who repent, signifying a cleansing from sin and a commitment to a new life, including Jesus himself.
This passage shows a very similar reaction to Peter's preaching, where the crowd, cut to the heart, asks 'Brothers, what should we do?' This highlights the consistent human response of seeking direction when confronted with the truth of God's word.
Matthew 3:8This verse directly follows John's stern warning and command to 'bear fruit in keeping with repentance.' It shows the action that is expected as a result of the people's question in Luke 3:10, demonstrating that repentance isn't just a feeling but a change in behavior.
Luke 19:8The story of Zacchaeus provides a concrete example of 'bearing fruit worthy of repentance.' When Zacchaeus encounters Jesus and repents, he immediately demonstrates his change of heart through radical acts of restitution and generosity, mirroring the practical advice John gives.
1 Samuel 12:20Samuel addresses the Israelites who fear God but have sinned by asking for a king. Their question, 'Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart,' echoes the people's plea for guidance after realizing their wrongdoing.
Acts 16:30The Philippian jailer's desperate question, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' after witnessing a miraculous earthquake, parallels the urgency and sincerity of the crowd asking John the Baptist what they should do. Both scenarios show a profound spiritual crisis leading to a search for answers.
barnesLuke 3:10: "And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?"
What shall we do, then? - John had told them to bring forth fruits appropriate to repentance, or to lead a life which showed that their repentance was genuine. They very properly, therefore, asked how it should be done, or what "would be" such a life.
calvinLuke 3:7-14: "Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?"
- And when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, Offspring of vipers, who warned you that ye might flee from the wrath to come? 8. Yield then fruits worthy of repentance. 9. And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham for our fathers: for I say to you, that God is able to raise, f…
This isn't just a question; it's the sound of hearts cracking open! The crowds aren't asking out of mere curiosity, but out of a profound, urgent need to know how to live out the repentance John has so powerfully stirred within them.
John the Baptist has just delivered a fiery sermon, calling the crowds "offspring of vipers" and warning them that the axe is poised to cut down every unproductive tree. This harsh, yet honest, assessment of their spiritual state, combined with his call for "fruits worthy of repentance," prompts the people to cry out, "What then shall we do?" Their question is a desperate plea for direction, seeking practical ways to demonstrate a genuine turn from sin and escape God's coming judgment.
John the Baptist has just delivered a fiery sermon, calling the crowds "offspring of vipers" and warning them that the axe is poised to cut down every unproductive tree. This harsh, yet honest, assessment of their spiritual state, combined with his call for "fruits worthy of repentance," prompts the people to cry out, "What then shall we do?" Their question is a desperate plea for direction, seeking practical ways to demonstrate a genuine turn from sin and escape God's coming judgment.
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For Soldiers:
"And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?”" — This isn't just a question; it's the sound of hearts cracking open! The crowds aren't asking out of mere curiosity, but out of a profound, urgent need to know how to live out the repentance John ha…