Luke 3:4-14

⁴As Isaiah the prophet wrote: “A voice was heard crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord: make his paths straight.

⁵Every valley will be filled, and every mountain and hill will be leveled. Crooked ways will be straightened, and rough roads will be smoothed.

⁶Every human being will see God's salvation.’”

⁷John addressed the crowds that came to him to be baptized. “You viper's brood! Who warned you to flee from the coming judgment?” he asked.

⁸“Demonstrate that you have truly repented. Don't try to justify yourselves by saying, ‘We're Abraham's descendants.’ Let me tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these stones.

⁹The ax is set to begin chopping at the base of the trees. Any tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

¹⁰“So what should we do?” the crowds asked him.

¹¹“If you have two coats, then share with someone who doesn't have one. If you have food, then share with those who don't,” he told them.

¹²Some tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher, what should we do?” they also asked.

¹³“Don't collect any more tax than you're meant to,” he replied.

¹⁴“What about us?” some soldiers asked. “What should we do?” “Don't demand money with threats of violence. Don't make accusations that are untrue. Be satisfied with your wages,” he replied.