In the style of many of the great prophets, “the word of the Lord came to John son of Zechariah” (Luke 3:2), as “the voice of one crying in the wilderness” (3:4). People thronged out to the region along the Jordan River to hear his message and to receive baptism. He did not make it easy. He called them a “brood of vipers.” He told them they would not make it just because they could claim Abraham as their ancestor. He warned them that the axe was ready to cut down the trees that did not bear fruit worthy of repentance (3:7-9).

The point is, anyone can talk as if they are going to make better choices from now on: but genuinely living it out takes more diligence than most of us want to commit to. They knew that in Bible times, just as much as today. So with his fiery language John urged them to change not simply their mental attitude, but their long-term behavior.

It’s interesting that in every case listed here, it was specifically their economic behavior that John highlighted. Everyone needed to pay attention to those who lacked food or clothing, and needed to share their goods to alleviate that suffering. Repentance for those who had the power to take money from others – tax collectors and soldiers, for example – would be to decide not to take advantage of their position for their own personal gain (3:10-14).

Everyone wondered whether John might be the Messiah, but he insisted he was just the guy baptizing with water; the one who was coming was the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. That’s the one you’re looking for, John insisted: “I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals” (3:15-16).

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Help us, O Lord. We are the brood of vipers, with poison in our speech; we are those who imagine we must be OK because our ancestors were in covenant with you; and especially we are those who are convinced that the problems of poverty and economic advantage are not our problems. Grant us repentance, not just in word, but in action.