HOST: Ron House
SPONSOR: Start2Finish
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
The common belief of the day was that human suffering was the direct result of sin. Those who stood listening to Jesus’ teaching and accusations, in an attempt to divert attention from themselves and their sins, brought up these Galileans who had been slain by Pilate’s soldiers. In this day and time, Jewish uprisings and rebellions were common, especially around feast days. Though we do not know the precise time of this event, those mentioned were probably Galileans who had risen up against Roman soldiers and were killed in the fray, their blood being mingled with the blood of the sacrifices being offered at the time. Jesus’ answer is simple and straightforward. These who suffered and died in either example given in this text were no more guilty of sin than Jesus’ hearers (or than any of mankind for that matter). Every accountable person is touched by sin, and the penalty for that sin is far worse than any physical suffering or death. The solution to that problem, Jesus says, is repentance—a turning away from sin and to God. If one is willing to walk away from sin and become obedient and submissive to God, he will not perish spiritually. What a hopeful promise!
How does repentance save us from perishing?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
