The Uncertainty of Life: Luke 13:1-5
“1) Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2) And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? 3) I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4) Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5) I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5
Luke now talks about two tragedies that have escaped historical record. The first related to state sponsored terror. Evidently, Pilate had massacred a group of Galileans who were visiting Jerusalem for a religious ceremony. It underlined the brutality of Pilate, but was unexpected and undeserved by the innocent victims.
The second tragedy seemed random and accidental. A tower collapsed on eighteen people suddenly killing them. Neither seemed justifiable, expected or deserved by the victims.
Rather than launching into a defense of God when bad things happen to unsuspecting people, Jesus merely talked about the uncertainty of life in a fallen world. Injustices abound and tragedies happen.
Jesus seemed to be saying that death seldom gives warnings. Life is fragile and uncertain. The moral of these two examples is the same. Live with a clear conscience and be ready to face eternal judgement without warning. Repent of sin and live in a state of readiness.
This sounds cruel, but sudden death is part of life in this fallen world. Not one of us has a guarantee of tomorrow. The biblical guarantee is that after death we will face eternal judgement. Jesus stressed we should repent and always be ready.
Live and plan for the long haul, but be ready to stand before God at the blink of an eye. Don’t be foolish and reckless thinking you are invincible. Your tower may fall at any time without notice.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
“1) Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2) And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? 3) I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4) Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem? 5) I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Luke 13:1-5
Luke now talks about two tragedies that have escaped historical record. The first related to state sponsored terror. Evidently, Pilate had massacred a group of Galileans who were visiting Jerusalem for a religious ceremony. It underlined the brutality of Pilate, but was unexpected and undeserved by the innocent victims.
The second tragedy seemed random and accidental. A tower collapsed on eighteen people suddenly killing them. Neither seemed justifiable, expected or deserved by the victims.
Rather than launching into a defense of God when bad things happen to unsuspecting people, Jesus merely talked about the uncertainty of life in a fallen world. Injustices abound and tragedies happen.
Jesus seemed to be saying that death seldom gives warnings. Life is fragile and uncertain. The moral of these two examples is the same. Live with a clear conscience and be ready to face eternal judgement without warning. Repent of sin and live in a state of readiness.
This sounds cruel, but sudden death is part of life in this fallen world. Not one of us has a guarantee of tomorrow. The biblical guarantee is that after death we will face eternal judgement. Jesus stressed we should repent and always be ready.
Live and plan for the long haul, but be ready to stand before God at the blink of an eye. Don’t be foolish and reckless thinking you are invincible. Your tower may fall at any time without notice.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
Sent from my iPhone
