"Let everyone do what he can to help those who are in need. If any of you have two coats, give one of them to some poor man that has no garments; and those of you who have wheat and barley, give to those who are hungry something to eat."
Some of the men who gathered the taxes from the people for the Roman rulers came to John and said:
"What would you have us do to make ready for the coming of the King? Shall we tell the people that they are to pay no more taxes?"
"No," answered John. "Let the people pay their taxes as before; but see that you do not make them pay more than is right, and do not rob them."
For many of these tax-collectors (who were called publicans) took from the people more than they had a right to take, and used the people's money for themselves. They made themselves rich by robbing the people. Everywhere the people hated these tax-collectors, and called them "sinners."
The soldiers and policemen came to John and said, "And what shall we do?"
John said to them:
"Do not be harsh and rough with the people. Treat everyone kindly. Be contented with your pay, and do not make the people give you money that you have no right to ask."
These were some of the many things that John said to the people. All his words came to this: "If you are doing wrong, stop it and begin to do right. Do not be selfish, but love your fellow men and do good to them. And be ready when the King comes to obey him."
John was called "John the Baptist" because he baptized in the river Jordan all those who promised to follow his teachings.