Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Read Luke 13:1-5.
TEXT: There were some present at that very time
who told Him about the Galileans whose blood
Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices (Luke 13:1).


Today we catch our first glimpse of Pontius Pilate,
the Roman military governor. Jesus is making His
way toward Jerusalem when He gets word of a
recent tragic event in Jerusalem. While some of
Jesus' fellow Galileans were offering sacrifices in
the temple courts, Pilate's soldiers rushed in and
killed them. This event is not recorded by any other
Gospel writer or ancient historian, and Luke
doesn't explain Pilate's reasons; he is more
interested in Jesus' reaction.

"Do you think that these Galileans where worse
sinners than all the other Galileans because they
suffered in this way?" That's how people thought in
that day, and it's a conclusion we sometimes are
too quick to jump to in our day too. If someone
suffers something horrendous such as a tragic
accident or an illness, then God must be punishing
them for some secret sin. Jesus warns us not to
judge by outward appearances.

In a short time another Galilean will be killed at the
hands of Pontius Pilate. People will look at Jesus
hanging on the cross and reach the false conclusion
God is punishing Him for falsely claiming to be His
Son. But in truth, Jesus is God's perfect Son. He will
hang on the cross and endure punishment for the
sins of all people for all time. This He will do that
God may give complete forgiveness to all who repent
and believe.

Jesus continues, "No, I tell you, but unless you
repent, you will all likewise perish." All people are
sinners. Only those who repent and trust in Jesus'
sacrifice in their place will find salvation and eternal life.


THE PRAYER:

Almighty God, teach me not to judge how You feel
about me or anyone else by mere appearances and
circumstances. Let me instead live by faith in Jesus
Christ my Lord. I pray in His Name. Amen.

(Lutheran Hour Ministries)