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LUKE - Christ, the Savior of the World
A Bible Study Course on the Gospel of Christ according to Luke
PART 4 - JESUS' MINISTRY DURING HIS JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM (Luke 9:51 - 19:27)
15. Jesus' Call to Repentance (Luke 13:1-9)
LUKE 13:01-05
1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 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? 3 I tell you, no; 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 sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”
When you read newspapers are you frightened by reports of collisions, disasters, wars, and scandals? Then be aware that accidents happen at all seasons. How astonishing that Jesus did not speak about the fault of those who caused distresses, knowing that every evildoer will be punished justly by God, even the kings, rulers, and governors, such as Pontius Pilate who mocked the people, trod on their sacred feelings, and despised God, laughing at the sacrifice of atonement. So Jesus knew that injustice does not remain unpunished.
Christ guided his hearers to consider: Why did disaster happen only to a small number of certain people? They ought to have deserved death, for every man is condemned to sickness, distress, and death because of his sins. Thus we have no right to survive or enjoy life, but are brought step by step toward God’s destroying condemnation. Do not deceive yourself about your bad situation, for no man is good or righteous. All men live without God, corrupt in their thoughts and behavior. You and I deserve death this very moment. This is the evident truth.
Jesus made apparent that those who were killed in the event were not more murderous than others, though he confirmed that their punishment came directly from God. Nothing happens on our planet apart from his divine will. The history of mankind is often the history of God’s wrath.
Christ confirmed to us that there is no difference between the greatest sinner and the less sinful, between the godly and the evil, between the self-righteous and unbelievers. Before God every man is abominable by nature, for his heart is full of evil thoughts. All impurity hidden in your mind is known to the Holy One. So do not think yourself better than any criminal, for if you hate or reject anybody, you will be considered as an evil murderer in the Lords’s eye.
Be aware that each one of your sins is a transgression against the holiness of God himself, as he said, “Be holy, for I am holy.” The Lord considers all your faults of thought, word, and deed as disobedience and mutiny against his eternal will. You are personally guilty before God by nature.
Jesus guided his hearers to another thought: Why does God give them time, and not destroy them immediately, as he destroyed those upon whom the tower fell and were killed? Thus, in warning them about God’s wrath, he showed them a way out of the coming destruction. What do you think is the way out of wrath, condemnation, and destruction? There is no way but to return to God, discard pride, and confess with crushed heart: “God, be merciful to me a sinner!” Are you still proud and self-assertive, or are you seeking God with repentance and humility? Do you criticize those around you, and judge your enemies, or do you know within yourself your own sinfulness?
Christ does not warn only you about pride, but he warns all men, calling them to return, for if we do not repent quickly, and change the condition of our society, then a new world war will devour us all. We will stand before the throne of the eternal Judge. Have you forgiven your enemies their sins, and returned every penny you stole from others? Arrange your life while you live, for death is waiting at the door.
PRAYER: O holy Lord, I thank you because you have not consumed me yet. Be merciful to me a sinner. You know my past. So cleanse me from iniquity, and sanctify me with your patience that I may guide my friends to repentance lest your wrath devours us.
QUESTION 90: Why does Christ warn us forcefully about expected events?