Knowing The Word in Luke 13:1-5

Repent or Perish

13:1 There were some present at that very time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Comments

Did these people bring up the Galilean sacrificial blood tragedy to engage Jesus in a discussion about judgment, especially that the Galileans who died brought God’s judgment upon themselves? (We do not know the story in history except as it is referenced to here.) Whatever the case, Jesus used the opportunity to drive the point home regarding the urgency of repentance. The common thinking at the time was that bad things happened to bad people, and that they were deserving of this crime at the hands of Pilate. Jesus took universal sinfulness as a given. The fate of those killed was a warning to all. Repentance is both a once-for-all event, as well as a daily practice to keep dealing with our sins.

Application

How difficult is it to get out of the thinking that bad things should not happen to good people? Or, that when something bad happens to a person, they must somehow have deserved it? There is something within us that can lead us to blame victims of crimes as well as the perpetrators. Jesus ignores this thinking, pointing us to turn to confession of our own sins rather than the sins of others, especially regarding being judgmental.

Prayer

Have mercy upon me, most merciful Father; in your compassion forgive me my sins, known and unknown, things done and left undone; and so uphold me by your Spirit that I may live and serve you in newness of life, to the honor and glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

(BCP, p. 393, modified for personal usage)