April 01, 2022 – Friday
Luke 13:1-5 NIV
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?
3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.
4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Comment.
There is a lot here so let’s take a look at what we have one verse at a time. First, Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. This was not idle conversation as Pilate was well known for his terrible cruelty. We are not told how or why this happened, but it was likely at the temple as the blood of the Galileans was mixed with their sacrifices. Perhaps they had been a part of a protest as well or had protested in the past. We don’t know, but Pilate as the Roman governor of Judea was sure to keep the ‘peace.’
Jesus had been teaching about the final judgment since 12:1, so His reply in verses 2-3 are very telling, Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. He first sought to disabuse them of the common belief that calamity or disaster only befell those in great sin. Then He made His key point, there is a judgment coming that will be worse than what the Galileans suffered as it will be eternal suffering as unless you repent, you too will all perish. Imagine standing before God with all your sins known to Him and you have never repented of any of them.
Jesus continues His warning in verses 4-5, Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Jesus doubles down on His point by bringing up another terrible event, a disaster where a tower fell and killed eighteen. He asks a rhetorical question do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? And then gives the answer to His question, I tell you, no! How can this be applicable to His listeners then and now? He tells them they have to repent or they too will perish.
Interesting word perish. The Greek transliteration is apollymi where Vine’s Expository Dictionary tells us it is a strengthened form of ollumi, signifies “to destroy utterly.” Those listening would not know it, but Jesus’ words were prophetic as Jerusalem would be utterly destroyed within 40 years with not a stone left standing on the temple. Death and destruction were coming and only repentance could save them from eternal damnation.
In Jesus’ own words, we learn no place can secure one from the stroke of death and we should look upon the sudden taking away of others as warnings to us. Because of this Jesus issued his call to repentance. Don’t wait. If you wait, you may be too late. And if you are too late, you shall surely perish and be eternally separated from God.
Bottom Line: Don’t expect your location or position to prevent death coming as an incredible surprise leaving no time for repentance. Repent while there is time to repent.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You that Jesus gave such an explicit warning not to wait, but to repent now, seeking Your forgiveness so that we may enjoy eternity in heaven. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek