Text: Luke 3:1–10; Micah 6:6-8

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judaea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

² Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

³ And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

⁴ As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

⁵ Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth;

⁶ And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

⁷ Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

⁸ Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

⁹ And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

¹⁰ And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?

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Text: Micah 6:6-8

⁶ Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?

⁷ Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

⁸ He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?

TRUTH LEADS TO RESPONSIBILITY: “WHAT SHALL WE DO?”

Memory Verse: James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

In Luke 3:10, the crowd asked John the Baptist a powerful question: “What shall we do then?” This simple question shows something important; the truth had pierced their hearts. They did not walk away with casual interest. They were deeply moved and ready to act. This question is both beautiful and dangerous. It is beautiful because it shows a heart that is open and willing to change. But it is dangerous because once we ask this question, we are no longer innocent, we now carry the responsibility to obey.

John did not give them vague or spiritual-sounding answers. He gave very clear instructions:

• To the people: “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none…” Luke 3:11.
• To the tax collectors: “Don’t collect any more than you are required to.” Luke 3:13
• To the soldiers: “Do not extort money… Be content with your pay.” Luke 3:14

Each group received practical, and specific directions based on their life situations. John was not interested in vague repentance or emotional moments; he wanted real-life fruit. He wanted them to live differently as proof that their hearts had truly changed. This teaches us something important: True repentance is not just about feelings. It is not enough to feel sorry for our sins. Repentance must show in our actions, in how we treat others, handle money, speak, forgive, and live. When we hear the truth of God’s Word, we should ask the same question: “What shall I do now?” And when we ask, we should be ready to listen and obey. God may call us to change habits, fix broken relationships, give generously, or speak out boldly.

Truth brings responsibility. Once we know what is right, we must walk in it. God doesn’t expect perfection, but He does expect progress. When the Word cuts our hearts, it is an invitation to surrender and that surrender leads to transformation. Do not just hear the truth respond to it. Like the crowd in Luke 3, let the question, “What shall we do?” become the start of real, lasting change in your life.

COVENANT GATE HYMNALS 15; SS&S 607 I AM THINE, O LORD, I HAVE HEARD THY VOICE

1. 1.     I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, And it told Thy love to me; But I long to rise in the arms of faith, And be closer drawn to Thee.

   Refrain          Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,        To the cross where Thou hast died;          Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,      To Thy precious, bleeding side.

   2.     Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, By the power of grace divine; Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, And my will be lost in Thine.

   3.     O the pure delight of a single hour That before Thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!

   4.     There are depths of love that I may not know Till I cross the narrow sea; There are heights of joy that I may not reach Till I rest in peace with Thee.

Today’s Prayer

1. 1. Lord, help me respond to Your truth with obedience, not just emotion or words.
   2. Father, let my repentance show in my actions, bearing fruit that honours You daily.
   3. God, awaken others to take Your Word seriously and live transformed, and responsible lives.