Although John the Baptist was far away from the temple by the Jordan River, crowds descended mainly to see him. People who were not appreciated at the temple—ordinary people, publicans, and soldiers—went because he was credible and went straight to the heart of life: The outcasts, with restless hearts, asked, “Do you know the way? We want to walk with God. What are we to do?”
John will simplify reasonable rules by introducing the neighbor into my world, shifting your gaze from you to around you.
First rule: whoever has two tunics, give one to those with none, and whoever has food does likewise. Rule that alone would be enough to change the gaze and tears of the world. John opens the breach of a new land.
It is true that if I provide my tunic and my bread, I do not change the world and its unjust structures; however, I have inoculated the idea that hunger is not invincible, that the pain of others has divine summons over me, that I do not abandon those who have been shipwrecked, and that sharing reveals my humanity.
Tax collectors will restrain their greed, and soldiers will control their frustrations, avoiding inhumane reactions, with hearts ready for God.
John explains that someone stronger is coming, and He will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.
This “Someone” seeks you in your pain and restlessness, healing your heart and igniting eternal joy. These qualities are what make Him the strongest and most beloved.