April 07 2025

Monday April 07

A Clear Call to Repentance

 Luke 13:1-5

1 There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3 I tell you, no; 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 sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."

Today we begin looking into Luke 13, where Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem after over three years of ministry, delivers vital messages before His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. He’s preparing His disciples—and us—to carry the kingdom’s good news to the world. In Luke 12, Jesus spoke of judgment; now, in Luke 13:1-5, He shifts to repentance, responding to a crowd’s question with a question of His own. In this chapter, Jesus will deal with at least four questions that are either implied or asked.

Picture the scene: Jesus is nearing Jerusalem when some in the crowd bring up a gruesome tragedy—Galileans slaughtered by Pontius Pilate, their blood mingled with their sacrifices. Pilate, a harsh Roman governor, was notorious for clashing with the Jews. He brought Roman ensigns into the Holy City, seized temple funds for an aqueduct, and quelled protests with violence. This atrocity, possibly during a feast when nationalism surged, saw soldiers strike down unarmed Galileans at the altar—a shocking sacrilege. The crowd, especially the Pharisees and Judeans, assumed these Galileans were worse sinners, deserving such a fate. They expected Jesus to agree.

Instead, Jesus replies, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:2-3). Then He brings it closer to home: “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:4-5). The Siloam tower collapse—workers killed on Pilate’s aqueduct project—stung the Judeans. They’d judged those victims too, thinking they got what they deserved for working with Pilate.

Jesus flips the script. He doesn’t defend Pilate or the Galileans, nor does He dive into political debates. He lifts the issue higher: tragedy isn’t always divine punishment. The Galileans weren’t worse sinners; the Siloam workers weren’t uniquely guilty. Suffering doesn’t always mark God’s wrath—Job’s friends misjudged that, and so did the crowd. Even Jesus, sinless, suffered. If every disaster signaled sin, how would we explain the trials of prophets, apostles, or Christ Himself? Jesus debunks their logic, then drives deeper: all are sinners, and all face judgment unless they repent. The real question isn’t “Why did they die?” but “Why are you still alive?”

This urgency echoes through Scripture. Jesus’ first message was “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). His last, to the church in Laodicea, was “Be zealous and repent” (Revelation 3:19). Paul preached “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21). The Greek word for repentance, metanoia, means a change of mind and heart—a turning from sin to God. It’s not just confessing; it’s forsaking sin and trusting Jesus. The Bible calls for repentance 969 times—it hasn’t dropped out of God’s vocabulary, even if it’s faded from ours.

The Galileans’ fate and Siloam’s collapse foreshadowed a greater judgment—like Jerusalem’s fall to Rome in AD 70. Jesus’ warning was clear: repent now, or perish. Today, we’re tempted to judge others’ misfortunes—“They had it coming”—while dodging our own guilt. But Jesus cuts through: “Unless you repent.” We’re all in the same boat—one death per person. “Now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). As Jesus neared the cross, He urged the crowd—and us—to wake up, stop pointing fingers, and turn to Him. He didn’t promise a life free of towers or tyrants, but a way to stand forgiven before God.

Closing Challenge

Have you truly repented—changed your mind about sin, owning your guilt before God? This week, pick one area needing a turn—maybe a hidden sin, a bitter attitude, or a neglected faith. Confess it, turn from it, and trust Jesus to transform you. Don’t delay; the time to repent is now.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your urgent call to repentance, preached from Your first words to Your last. Forgive us for judging others instead of facing our own sin. Stir our hearts with metanoia—a true change toward You. Help us turn from sin, place our faith in You, and live as Your children. Give us courage to act today, trusting Your mercy. Bless us as we follow You to the cross and beyond. Amen.

God bless!