Scripture
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or 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? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Reflection
How quick do you pass judgment on others? How quick do you draw conclusions when calamity and/or tragic incidents happen? In the bible we can read about different instances when people were quick to judge others (remember Job and his friends?).
“But unless you repent, you too will all perish”. Was Jesus talking about them ending their lives tragically? Could be; but life as we live now will end no matter what. What’s worse than tragic physical death is a tragic spiritual death.
Four marks of true repentance are:
acknowledgement of wrong,
willingness to confess it,
willingness to abandon it,
and willingness to make restitution.
– Corrie Ten Boom (Su).
Thoughts for the day
- How quick do you pass judgement on others?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Take time to praise today. If you’ve got a phone and headphones, carve out time today to listen to worship music, or a song that helps you to connect with God. Start and end your regular routine with praise.