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"I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3 NKJV
Many prefer the “gracious” Jesus of the New Testament to the “harsh” God of the Old Testament. They argue that God is angry and vindictive; Jesus is all love and acceptance.
There are sound theological reasons (such as the doctrine of the Trinity) to dismiss that argument. But even a quick skim of scripture reveals many examples of God’s patience and tenderness “before Christ,” as well as Jesus’ own tough approach to sin and holiness. Today’s scripture, repeated verbatim in Luke 13:5, is an instance of the latter.
When informed of the Roman governor Pilate’s violence against certain Galileans, Jesus didn’t criticize the perpetrator or sympathize with the victims. Instead, He told the crowd around Him, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?” (Luke 13:2).
Then Jesus mentioned another news headline: “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?” (Luke 13:4). To both questions He said, “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (v.5).
Jesus was harsh when warning about sin. But He was actually being gracious, helping us to meet God on His own terms…which is the only way we can.
Prayer: Holy God, loving Lord, help me honor Your perfection by my humble submission.
Many prefer the “gracious” Jesus of the New Testament to the “harsh” God of the Old Testament. They argue that God is angry and vindictive; Jesus is all love and acceptance.
There are sound theological reasons (such as the doctrine of the Trinity) to dismiss that argument. But even a quick skim of scripture reveals many examples of God’s patience and tenderness “before Christ,” as well as Jesus’ own tough approach to sin and holiness. Today’s scripture, repeated verbatim in Luke 13:5, is an instance of the latter.
When informed of the Roman governor Pilate’s violence against certain Galileans, Jesus didn’t criticize the perpetrator or sympathize with the victims. Instead, He told the crowd around Him, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?” (Luke 13:2).
Then Jesus mentioned another news headline: “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?” (Luke 13:4). To both questions He said, “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (v.5).
Jesus was harsh when warning about sin. But He was actually being gracious, helping us to meet God on His own terms…which is the only way we can.
Prayer: Holy God, loving Lord, help me honor Your perfection by my humble submission.
