Now, there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “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.  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.”
(Luke 13:1-5)
 

 Luke 13:1-9 

Jesus uses these tragic events to emphasise that life is uncertain and unpredictable and how important it is to repent. He warns that unless people show sorrow and remorse, they will die; souls will be destroyed. 

Jesus does not imply that the victims of these calamities did anything wrong, but rather that tragedies happen and should not be equated with sin and divine punishment. 

Jesus draws the crowd’s attention to the need to turn back to God and the consequences of not repenting. Twice, he says, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” In this text, Jesus doesn’t feed fear and stir up the crowds, nor does he promise freedom from disasters and calamities. Instead, he stresses the fragility of life and the urgency of repentance. We must guard ourselves against false self-assurance and seize the opportunity to experience God’s grace.

Reflections by Adri Sutherland

Merciful God,
We know that our lives are fragile and uncertain. 

We see the compassion and unending grace you offer. Help us to repent and be in the right standing with you. 

Help us to find a way to lend a helping hand 

to those who suffer.
Amen.

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