In Luke 3, John the Baptizer is an imposing feature. John speaks with authority, and all kinds of people come from all over the countryside to be baptized. Luke 3 says even tax collectors came out to the wilderness to be baptized. You can hear that was a little unexpected. They ask John, “What should we do?” It always seems amazing that John does not say, “Stop collecting taxes.” John tells them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.”
Tax collectors were often despised by others. They depended on collecting taxes (which are never popular), and they often could not find other work to support themselves. Maybe that is one reason that Jesus befriended them. Maybe that is also one reason that John did not take away their means of support, but told them to live with honesty and integrity. How do you seek to live with integrity in your life? What sacrifices do you make because of your integrity (and we know you do, even though you may not think of it that way)?
John was a tough-minded prophet, but he seemed to reflect a tender-hearted God who wanted ethics and integrity so that the community could be just and fair. In our day, who are the John the Baptist types that call us to account for fairness? Who helps you so you know how to act?
