1Start
After John preached, the people asked him a plain question. “What shall we do then?” (Luke 3:10).
2Read Together
John had told the crowds, “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance” (Luke 3:8). A tree is known by its fruit, and a changed heart shows in changed actions (Luke 6:44).
Luke 3:10–14 · King James Version
10And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? 11He answereth and saith 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.
3What It Teaches
John gave each group an answer that fit their daily life. To everyone he said, “He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none” (Luke 3:11). People with food were to share it too.
Publicans collected taxes and often took extra for themselves. John told them, “Exact no more than that which is appointed you” (Luke 3:12–13). Soldiers were told to stop bullying people and lying about them and to be content with their wages (Luke 3:14).
Repentance shows up in ordinary places, like the dinner table, the classroom, a job, or a phone. The question “What shall we do?” has a different answer for each person.
John warned that a tree without good fruit would be cut down (Luke 3:9). The Savior is patient with us, and he still looks for fruit.
4Talk About It
If you asked John “What shall we do?”, what do you think he would tell someone your age today?