What Food Do I Offer To The Hungry?

Scripture: "And the crowds asked him, “What then shall we do?” And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” Tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than you are authorized to do.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages"

Observation: There are plenty of things to draw out of these verses, especially in the acts of repentance that John gave to the people. But this morning I'm drawn to something else which is more needful for me at this point.

My attentions drawn to the groups that came asking questions of John. Everyone is recording asking questions--even the pharisees and lawyers--but there is a notable difference in the tone and types of questions being asked, and I think it reveals hearts.

The Jewish leaders came inspecting and testing. There were some good reasons behind these, but there were some sinful as well. John was bold enough to call those evil motivations for what they were.

The other groups, however, came seeking truth, and I think it is easy to see that they were motivated by purer things, namely, a desire to draw near to God due to an aching of the soul brought on by the  Spirit.

The groups mentioned: the crowds, tax collectors, and soldiers.

The crowds no doubt included the leaders who received the harshest rebuke (compare Luke 3:10 w/Matt. 3:7). The others that came, tax collectors and soldiers, were among society's scorned. They were derided by general public, especially the leaders. Consequently, the extensive interweaving of Jewish society w/its religion meant that they were not only publicly separated, but also spiritually opressed. Attendance at the synagogue would have been uncomfortable and may have drawn so much disdain from others that they may have avoided it all together. (Thus, Jesus' rebuke of the leaders that they refused to enter god's kingdom and refused to let others in, too [Matt. 23:13].)

And then along comes this John. The original Bear Grills with a Jesus message . . . how to survive this world. Because they were outcast, John was attractive to these others. They felt comfortable confessing their sins and seeking guidance from him. John directed their attention upward and inward rather than to himself. He didn't dodge the command for holiness, but he didn't leave them feeling condemned.

Application: Can this be said of me? John clearly made paths for the "arrival" of Jesus, but he also made paths for the coming of those who felt the deep wooing of the Spirit and who wanted to be restored to God. Can this be said of me? Response to this passage I think must include the words "intentional," "pursue," "outcasts," and "uncondemning."

Prayer: Lord, impossible for me unless you change me. I confess my failures here. Give me your eyes and heart for the marginalized. You've given me the only message of true hope. There is only one God and one Savior and one way of salvation from a hell we will all face apart from you. But your offer of grace and forgiveness and restoration is there for everyone to take. Please give a John heart for your kingdom. I love you. You are so, so good. Ready me to be a useful conduit of your grace through Jesus. Amen.