“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)
The lectionary readings this week all warn us about the consequences of sin: eternal punishment. Obviously such a dire consequence is one which we find so frightening that we would do all in our power to see that we warn our loved ones, friends, neighbors, and even our enemies about the consequences of unbelief and sin.
In our gospel, we our told that Jesus gave such a warning as He spoke of 2 events that probably had occurred within recent memory of His listeners. These concerned people who died unexpectedly and violently, something which we in our times are all too familiar with. These days we see many such unexpected tragedies resulting from warfare, terrorism, violence, accidents, illness, COVID, and natural disasters.
The religious leaders of the Jews were proud of their self-righteousness as well as their heritage as Jews. These maintained that those who died under those tragic circumstances were cursed by God because of their sins. But Jesus pointed out that all men are sinners. Consequently all men are under the curse of God and in need of repentance.
Jesus then told them a parable to illustrate what God had done in the past with their ancestors, ancient Israel and Judah. The ancients had consistently refused to heed the word of God and were judged. Now the Jews would reject His own Son, Jesus Christ their Messiah. Consequently they would be judged with righteous severity.
While ultimately we cannot explain or understand why God allows suffering, we can assume that tragedies are used by God to remind all human beings of the shortness and uncertainty of life. Tomorrow is promised to no one. All men, women and children are sinners. All need to have faith in Jesus who alone is redeemer and Savior.
All who do not know the Lord Jesus must repent and believe before it is too late. Therefore, we who are believers must tell others of the grace and mercy found in Jesus alone. The Lord wants to warn them to come to Him before it is too late lest they miss out on His eternal blessings. We cannot keep the truth of the gospel to ourselves.