I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way. Luke 13:3 WEB
At the end of the previous chapter, Jesus spoke about the importance of interpreting the signs of the times. In doing so, Jesus points to man’s ability to predict the weather based on signs in the sky. He then asked in Luke 12:56, “how is it that you don’t interpret this time? WEB” With these words, Christ encourages his listeners to understand that a man’s fate rests in the ability to recognize Jesus as the way to salvation.
The Lord continued asking in Acts 12:57, “Why don’t you judge for yourselves what is right? WEB” In our hearts we all know the difference between right and wrong. Encouraging sinful men and women to judge between right and wrong, Jesus leads his listeners to repent from sin and find reconciliation with God. Teaching a parable of a man taken before a judge, Jesus shares the wisdom of reconciling with our adversary before receiving judgment. This thinly veiled argument alludes to Christ’s ability and willingness to pay the price for the sins of those who repent and place their faith in him as Savior.
Unless You Repent
Chapter thirteen of Luke’s gospel begins as some members of the assembled crowd tell Jesus of Pilate mixing Galileans blood with their sacrifices. Jesus uses the opportunity to pose a question. He asks in Luke 13:2, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? WEB” Then, Christ famously states, “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.” As sinful men and women, we cannot atone for our own sins. Our guilty blood will not save us upon death.
However, the blood of Christ saves those who turn from their transgressions in obedience to God. Jesus came to earth to call fallen mankind to repent from sin. As the Lord said in Matthew 4:17, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! WEB” This is the sign of the times, that Christ came calling mankind to repentance, performing miracles and demonstrating God’s mercy. After Jesus gives an example of individuals dying tragically as a tower fell upon them, the Lord teaches that they were no more or less sinful than anyone else. He then reiterates in Luke 13:5, “unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the truth of your holy word. Thank you for paying the price for my sins with the blood of Jesus Christ. I turn to you as a sinful man to show me the way to salvation. I humbly submit to your will for my life. Guide me to live in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Those Who Believe
