"There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answered and said to them, Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish"
(Luke 13:1-5 NKJV)

unless you repent ...

Some of the most productive and memorable lessons I ever learned were painful. In some instances, years passed before I began to realize the great blessings these lessons had bestowed. “No pain, no gain” is often true.

The Jews inform Jesus about a tragedy, presumably in Jeru-salem. They may expect Him to comment on Pilate’s cruelty, and to remind them that Pilate will meet His judgment some day.

Jesus says nothing about Pilate. Instead, He urges His audience to think about tragedies from a biblical perspective. They too will die — maybe sooner than they think. They must be prepared. To die unprepared is the ultimate tragedy.

Repentance is the way to avoid such a tragedy. “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (Lk.13:2-3).

Instead of focusing on the supposed and imaginary judgments of others, He tells them to take a good look at themselves. Impenitence invites eternal tragedy that surpasses any misfortune that can happen on earth.

If present pain forces them to focus on their own sins and moves them to repent, then they will profit eternally. If they merely point fingers at others and refuse to examine their own spiritual state, they will end up far worse than these people who experienced mere earthly tragedies.

Many news items upset us. Let earthly tragedies move us to repent and motivate us to focus on our heavenly home.

– Rick Duggin