Christian Reflection and Prayer

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).

 

Read Luke 13:1-5

 

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 that 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 so 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.

 

Lenten Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries