Luke 3:10 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Luke 3:10

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Hearing John’s preaching about the repentance and about the fruit that should follow repentance, the more serious among them ask, ‘What shall we do?’ Their consciences troubled them, but they were unsure what was required. They were disturbed by his words, and the image of the axe being laid to the roots troubled them. What better than to go to the prophet who had stirred up this discomfort in them by his challenging language and ask him for direction? There is something to be done and the Lord will not be content with mere words, but only with actions. They were ready to act on whatever he told them.John homes in on their compassion towards the needy. The sight of those with nothing should stir the hearts of those who have more than they need. Israel was supposed to be a nation in which the poor were taken care of, and the law said the same (Deuteronomy 15:11). They must be prepared to do this even at their own expense. The one who gives to the poor shows that obedience to God is more important to him than the enjoyment and security of possessions. This duty is always upon us when we see those in need, but there are times of shortage and suffering when it is especially important. The same applies to food.

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Questions

Does this mean that the needy have a right to demand such things from those who have more, and to complain that they are being oppressed when they don’t receive help? Certainly not. The poor are to receive what they receive with thanks, but not to make demands and to insist on charity, unless circumstances have been deliberately set up to their harm. The giver has the right to assess whether the need is real. The rule of Scripture is ‘if any would not work, neither should he eat’ (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Those who can work and do not should not be encouraged in their idleness and have all incentive removed from them. Neither should it be that the giver is obliged to give to the point where he impoverishes himself. Paul says, ‘For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. ¹³ For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: ¹⁴ But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality’ (2 Corinthians 8:12-14).

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Luke 3:10 Commentary and Bible Study