The major centre of the Dead Sea community was located near John's activities. Tax collectors or soldiers who sought membership in the Dead Sea community would be required to sell everything, drop out of society, and join the ascetic life of the holy congregation. After a probationary period of testing, and if they proved worthy, they would be accepted. According to Luke, John the Baptist gave a different answer to people who desired forgiveness. When the tax-collectors asked John, "What shall we do?" they were seeking a true relationship with God through repentance. They wanted to renew proper relationship with their Father in heaven. John said, "Collect no more than is appointed you" (LK3:13). The soldiers asked him the same question...He challenged them with the exhortation, "Rob no one by violence or by false accusation, and be content with your wages" (LK3:14). In stark contrast to the religious community at Qumran, John did not even ask tax-collectors and soldiers to leave their questionable occupations and drop out of society...Instead his prophetic message implored the people to live a holy life in the mainstream of society. The religious mindset at Qumran could not tolerate John's approach...
Brad H Young, Jesus the Jewish Theologian, p16
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