And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 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? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”                                                                                                           

                                                                                                       Luke 13:2-5 

Today: Read Luke 13

Our passage today is a fantastic reminder that all of us are in need of salvation through Jesus Christ. It is easy to compare our lives with others around us in an attempt to make ourselves feel better about the life that we have and are currently living. But Jesus’ words are a stark reminder for us not to do that. He is addressing those who would point to calamity that had come upon others as a means of proposing a lesser degree of guilt for themselves. Jesus addresses this type of mindset by forming their thinking into a question:

“Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?”

The thinking was that perhaps calamity came upon these people because they were greater sinners than the rest. Jesus’ answer is undeniable:

“I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus eliminates any possibility for this line of thinking by announcing that the calamity that came upon those people was not a result of greater sin. He then moves to the need for everyone to repent in order to avoid the same. This concept is reinforced once again:

“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? I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

So what we can we gain from understanding Jesus’ words? First, we are not to compare ourselves with others in an attempt to feel better about our lives. Secondly, Jesus leaves no room for believing that the calamity came to those mentioned because they were worse than others. But lastly, we need to understand that repentance is mandatory if we are to escape the judgment of God.

Repentance literally means to “change one’s mind.” It is a change of mind and heart that is best demonstrated in one’s abhorrence of their sin accompanied by a desire for righteousness, healing, and redemption. When we get to the point in which we are disgusted by the way we have or are currently living and have a desire for God’s forgiveness and presence in our lives, we have repented. This is the prerequisite for salvation for obvious reasons. We will not turn to God for salvation until we reach this pivotal repentant attitude.

It is important to note that we do not change our lives in order to come to Jesus rather we come to Jesus in order for Him to change our lives. This important distinction regarding repentance can so easily get confused when we equate repentance with being a “better person.” When we tell someone to stop getting drunk and come to Jesus or stop lusting and come to Jesus, we are (possibly unintentionally) confusing repentance. No one is capable of living a life of their own making that is satisfactory for acceptance by God. We don’t cease from immoral things to come to Jesus. We come just as we are.

That is why it is necessary that we repent (change our minds) and turn to Jesus for salvation. It is His one act of righteousness on the cross that gives us the opportunity to be accepted by God (Romans 5:18). When we come to Him by faith, calling on His name (Romans 10:13), and placing our trust in what He has already accomplished for us on the cross, we are saved, forgiven, healed, and redeemed. His miraculous power in us enlightens and empowers us to turn from those former deeds to a life of living and serving Him. It is the spiritual freedom that comes from the presence of God in our lives that enables us to live above the mediocrity and spiritual deadness of the world. And it is all based on what He has done for us, not on what we have done for Him.

Have you reached the place in which you are ready to begin a new life? Are you disgusted with the way you have lived in the past? Are you seeking deliverance, forgiveness, healing, and redemption? If you answered “yes” to all of these questions, repentance is yours. Seize this opportunity and call on God, admitting your need for salvation and asking Him to forgive you and do just that!

For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time.  

                                                                                                1 Timothy 2:5-6 

…that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. 

                                                                                                   Romans 10:9-10 

…for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

                                                                                    Romans 10:13