Saturday 13th December 2025
Robin Hill
“What, then, should we do?”
Luke 3:10 (NRSV)
Turn around
John, the second cousin of Jesus, comes on the scene proclaiming. But do we ever stop to think about what it is he is so keen to say at that particular point? Reformation of an old older? The dawning of a new era? A shift in the tectonics of history?
Actually, no.
The gospel writer Luke makes it clear that when John opens his mouth he does so not as the keynote speaker. His role is that of announcer, offering a clear and unmistakable introduction to what lies ahead. He is setting the scene for one who is fast approaching … albeit not quite there yet.
John is committed to proclaiming something which we might never have anticipated: “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. Or, put in more everyday language, he is passionate about seeing the people turn around in their tracks so they can step away from the brink of disaster.
Unlike the courteous and urbane Sergeant Wilson of Dad’s Army, John has no room for the well-meaning, genteel suggestion: “Now everyone, if you wouldn’t mind awfully …”. Instead, the man in the camel hair clothing goes straight to the crux of the matter, calling his audience a “brood of vipers”. He notes the need to bear good fruit while avoiding the misplaced pride which some might feel. He even makes ominous reference to an axe which is already “lying at the root of the trees”. Does he hold back? He does not.
No wonder that the somewhat bemused people respond with this rather wonderful line of stunned bewilderment: “What, then, should we do?”
What should they do? Consult their teachers? Read the Scriptures for any theological nuances they might have missed along the way? Go into a huddle until, together, they come up with a better blueprint for their future? Or else, perhaps just wander home to hide from this dangerous hothead, now setting out his stall down by the riverside?
Truly, John’s express route to repentance involves action of the most direct kind: “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.”
If living out justice is the way of repentance, then we have something to think about. (And if John is the warm-up act, then … people, get ready for the main attraction.)
Shall we pray?
God of challenge, in our waiting we ask that you would help us to recognise those in our community whose lives are cloaked in suffering. Give us the determination to place your justice like a cloak upon the shoulders of those who are downcast, laying it gently yet firmly upon the lives of those struggling ones in our midst and in our world. Amen.
Robin Hill is minister of Gladsmuir linked with Longniddry in Lothian & Borders Presbytery. He is the founder of the Heart & Soul Swing Band.
Thinking it through:
Whose approach is more attractive (or, if you prefer, more effective): Sergeant Wilson’s? Or John the Baptist’s?
When, if ever, do you find yourself siding with the mystified crowd, asking: “What, then, should we do?”
Thinking close to your own home, can you picture the face of someone without a coat or food today?