1 Now there were some present on that occasion who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 He answered them, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered these things? 3 No, I tell you! But unless you repent, you will all perish as well! 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them, do you think they were worse offenders than all the others who live in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you! But unless you repent you will all perish as well!”
REFLECTIONS
Written by Stephen Shead
In 2010, when my family was living in Chile, the country was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami. More than 800 people died. In the following weeks, I remember hearing some preachers on the radio and internet declaring that the earthquake was God’s judgment on the people of Chile because of their sin.
I also remember thinking, when I heard those preachers: “Why are you ignoring what Jesus said??”
Today we’re returning to Luke’s Gospel in our daily devotions, and we’re jumping in at a gruesome moment: Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, had slaughtered a group of Galileans and used their blood for repulsive purposes. That’s all we know, but obviously there were people saying similar things to those Chilean preachers: “The reason they suffered a horrific death is because they were worse sinners than the rest.”
Jesus turns that claim completely on its head. You can’t interpret that event to say, “those people are worse sinners.” Instead, you should use it as a reminder that you are a sinner – so unless you turn back to God and put your trust in his Son, you will perish on the day of judgment.
What Jesus means is that, when we hear about disasters or terrible events, we don’t have a direct word from God to interpret those events – especially if we’re pointing the finger at other people. Instead, when we hear about disasters, we should use them to wake up and remember God’s urgent warnings in the Bible: that this world is not forever, Jesus is returning, and when he does, “that day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:12-13).
I think Jesus’ words here mean we should be very cautious about some of the comments that people have made following the assassination attempt against Donald Trump. Of course God was Lord over the events of that day. But we can’t use it to declare that God is for or against Donald Trump, either as a person or a President. That would be ignoring what Jesus says here!
Instead, Trump’s “close shave with death” should remind us that this life is brief and fragile, and one day we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. On that day, all that will matter is whether we responded to God’s call to turn to Jesus in repentance and faith.
Don’t try to read the tea leaves or interpret the news. But have you listened to God’s Word and turned back to Jesus?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Stephen is our Senior Minister.