• John’s character revealed in Luke 3:7-8 is direct and challenging. He calls the crowd coming for baptism a “brood of vipers,” warning them of impending wrath and emphasizing the importance of true repentance. John challenges them to bear fruits worthy of repentance.
• Luke 3:11-14 explains how to live life. Those who have two tunics should share with those who have none, and the same goes for those who have food. It also warns against extorting others.
• Recently, I’ve been listening to a podcast about the life of Siddhartha Gautama, and according to Lecture 32 by Ven. Beopryun, around 600 BC, Siddhartha attained a similar enlightenment. It seems that in Buddhism, just as in Christianity, the teachings originally intended by Siddhartha (Buddhist doctrines) are sometimes miscommunicated by his disciples to the people. For example, the Buddha emphasized the importance of living in the present moment rather than reincarnation. Let’s summarize Lecture 32 by Ven. Beopryun.
• Verse 8: Calls for bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. After repentance, corresponding fruits must follow.
• Verse 9: John says that God can do everything, even changing the lineage of priests. He criticizes the arrogance of the priests. (John’s words: “Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.”)
• John’s direct and sharp critique of the leaders of his time reminds us of Jesus. At that time, not many could afford such thoughts or actions. John lived according to his convictions, proclaiming God’s word in the wilderness. Therefore, he was regarded as a prophet sent by God among the people of Israel at that time. Those who are ahead of their time, like John, must also uphold their convictions in their attitude towards the world.

<Application>

Let’s calculate the monthly cost needed for our retirement life without exceeding the limit. (After discussing with my husband: $4000/month. If more comes in, we want to use it for those who are in more difficult situations). Let’s stick to this conviction.