Co-Laboring With JesusSample

In the book of Matthew, we are told that one day, John the Baptist delivered a startling message to his listeners: “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Therefore, produce fruit consistent with repentance.” The people were taken aback and asked him to explain what he meant. In response, John the Baptist gave them three examples to illustrate the kind of “fruit” or behaviors that would be outward signs of their inward repentance and transformation. First, he instructed the people to share their belongings and food with those who lack. Next, he told the tax collectors not to take more than they were authorized to take—a nice way of saying, “Don’t steal!” And finally, he told the soldiers in the crowd, “Don’t take money from anyone by force or false accusation and be satisfied with your wages.” 

Somewhat surprisingly, John the Baptist did not give the people instructions regarding prayer, worship, or scripture reading. Perhaps because while these are important, they primarily benefit us. When you engage in prayer, worship, and reading your bible, you are transformed as you increase in knowledge of Jesus’s words and ways. On the other hand, the “fruit” that John described is what is external and visible to a hurting world.  

To put it another way, John implored his listeners to: Love people by treating them well; meet people’s needs when you can; not take advantage of the weak by theft or deceit; and be thankful for the resources you have. In a world in which poverty is rampant, injustice is pervasive, and greed, ingratitude, and self-centeredness are the norm, we who have repented and accepted Christ as our Savior, are called to help address these wrongs. Why? Because in doing so the fruit of our inner repentance and transformation through knowledge and relationship with Christ becomes evident. And we must deliver this visible fruit to a world in desperate need of Jesus’s kingdom to manifest itself in their lives and communities.