He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?’” vs. 2
Luke 13:1-5
News of atrocities committed by oppressive rulers has always traveled fast. Here Jesus refers to an especially egregious act of the Roman governor, Pilate, that had been all over the social media of the day. He asks the people if the Galileans had been murdered because they were worse sinners than anyone else. His answer is not surprising. “Of course not!” But then he adds, “unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.” And then we’re baffled! What is he implying? Is he really saying that anyone who does not repent can expect to be slaughtered? And the answer again is “of course not.”
The words are not intended to be taken literally, but they are intended to shock people into action. He wants them to know in no uncertain terms that repentance is crucial for kingdom living. Like John the Baptist he was appalled by unfruitful religiosity. And like John he calls his listeners to account. Sometimes in our misguided efforts to turn Jesus into a gentle, kind, and beautiful savior, we forget that he cares deeply about the way we conduct our lives. Those who imagine that Jesus simply smiles benevolently on their self-serving and careless lifestyles should not be surprised when one day their self-made world falls apart.
Thought for the Day: How has repentance shaped my life?
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