Our Scripture meditation is based on Luke 13:1-5, the start of the next week’s Gospel Lesson.
[1] There were some present at that very time who told him 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.” (ESV)
This is a sobering, but necessary, teaching of Jesus. It surely fits with the season of Lent.
Those who shared about the Galilean tragedy thought they were providing evidence that some sinners or worse than other sinners. Jesus immediately cuts off this line of thinking. There is no room for self-justification in the Kingdom of God. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. As such, all are eternally condemned.
Most Christians I know acknowledge this teaching of Jesus. However, I wonder if we really believe this in all cases. Given our fallen natures, we may privately see certain people as truly depraved sinners, while others are basically good people.
We may also be tempted to look at people who have never heard the Gospel as not needing repentance, since they do not know God. While I find this profoundly saddening, the fact is all people have sinned. This includes those who do not know God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Given the weight of this truth, we are exceptionally grateful that God provided a way out from the consequences of our sins. Jesus himself became the sacrifice necessary to pay the price for the sins of all people. God not only forgives us through the Gospel but also brings us to repentance.
Kevin Wilson 360 