Luke 3:10 – “What should we do then?” the crowd asked.
Extended Explanation of the Verse
After hearing John the Baptist’s warnings about repentance and the coming judgment, the crowd responds with an important question: “What should we do then?” This question shows that John’s message had hit home. The people realized that they needed to change, but they didn’t know what that looked like in practical terms.
John had been calling them to bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Luke 3:8), and now the people wanted to know how they could demonstrate their repentance through their actions. This response reveals a teachable spirit—a willingness to listen and change. It’s a reminder that true repentance is not just about feeling remorse but about taking action to live differently.
Historical Context
The people listening to John came from various walks of life—farmers, laborers, tax collectors, and soldiers. Many of them lived under Roman oppression and were part of a religious system that had become more focused on rituals than on genuine obedience to God. For generations, they had believed that their connection to Abraham was enough to secure God’s favor.
When John called them to repentance, it challenged their assumptions. They began to understand that repentance wasn’t just about avoiding punishment; it involved living lives that honored God in practical ways. This question—“What should we do?”—was a common response when people were confronted with a prophetic message, similar to the response in Acts 2:37, when Peter’s audience asked, “What shall we do?”
Theological Implications
This verse underscores an important truth: repentance requires action. It’s not enough to recognize sin; we must take practical steps to turn away from it and live according to God’s will. The question, “What should we do?” reflects the heart of repentance—humility, a desire to change, and a willingness to obey.
It also shows that God’s call to repentance is meant for everyone. The crowd included ordinary people, and they weren’t told to become religious leaders or leave their jobs. Instead, John’s instructions (which follow in the next verses) were about living justly and generously in their daily lives. Repentance isn’t about doing something extraordinary—it’s about faithfully living out God’s commands in whatever situation we find ourselves.
Literary Analysis
This verse serves as a turning point in the narrative. Up until now, John has been delivering warnings about judgment and the need for repentance. The crowd’s question shifts the focus to application. What does repentance look like in real life? The simplicity of the question, “What should we do?” captures the sincerity of the crowd’s response and highlights their desire to understand and apply John’s teaching.
The placement of this question also sets the stage for John’s practical instructions in the following verses (Luke 3:11-14), where he tells the people to share their resources, avoid greed, and be content with what they have.
Biblical Cross-References
- Acts 2:37 – When Peter’s audience was convicted by his message, they asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
- Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
- James 2:17 – “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
- Matthew 7:16-20 – Jesus teaches that good trees produce good fruit, meaning true faith is shown through actions.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that faith requires action. When we realize that we’ve sinned or fallen short of God’s standards, the appropriate response is to ask, “What should I do?” God’s answer will often be simple but challenging: love others, forgive, share, be honest, and live with integrity. We don’t have to do grand or heroic things to demonstrate repentance—obedience in the small, daily choices of life is what matters most.
This verse also encourages believers to maintain a humble, teachable heart. The crowd’s willingness to ask for guidance shows their desire to grow spiritually. As Christians, we should never stop asking God, “What should I do next?” because following Him is a lifelong journey of growth and obedience.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is evident in the fact that He doesn’t leave us guessing about how to live in a way that pleases Him. When the crowd asked, “What should we do?” God provided clear and practical answers through John the Baptist. This shows that God’s commands are not burdensome or meant to confuse us—they’re meant to guide us toward a life that reflects His character.
God’s love is also shown in His patience. He doesn’t expect instant perfection, but He does call us to take steps toward obedience, one decision at a time. The fact that God invites us to ask for guidance demonstrates His desire for a relationship with us, where we depend on Him for wisdom and direction.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
John’s call to repentance was preparing the way for Jesus, who would fulfill God’s plan of salvation. While John called people to change their behavior, Jesus would provide the deeper transformation of the heart through His death and resurrection. The crowd’s question—“What should we do?”—finds its ultimate answer in Jesus. Repentance is not just about doing better; it’s about turning to Jesus, trusting Him for forgiveness, and allowing Him to change us from the inside out.
In John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Obedience to God’s commands flows out of a relationship with Jesus, who empowers us through the Holy Spirit to live lives that bear fruit. Jesus also taught about the importance of action in His parables, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), showing that true faith is demonstrated through acts of love and compassion.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- When you’re confronted with your sin, is your first response to ask, “What should I do?” Why or why not?
- What practical steps can you take today to demonstrate repentance in your life?
- How does this verse challenge you to move beyond feeling sorry for your sin and take action?
- In what ways can you remain teachable and open to God’s guidance as you grow in your faith?
- How can you help others understand that true repentance involves both heart change and action?