No One Deserves Grace, Stop Acting Like You Do

Luke 13:1–5 (ESV) There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 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? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus is asked about some bad things that happen to some good people.  His answer is important, especially for us today.

I've always read this passage to mean, "When bad things happen to certain people, it's not because of their sin, it's just the fallenness of Creation".  

That's not what Jesus says.  Notice he doesn't say, "Do you think that these Galileans were sinners and that's why they got bad treatment?" He DOESN'T say that.  He does say, "Those Galileans weren't any WORSE sinners than YOU!" 

We need to understand tragedy from Jesus' point of view.  We need to stop hypothesizing what WE THINK is correct and understand what Jesus teaches is correct.  We need to realize we don't know the end from the beginning and we aren't deserving of even the least of God's kindnesses.

In other words, Jesus is teaching tragedy happens because we all are sinful.  Why do bad things happen to good people?  There are no "good"people.  There was only one good person and all the bad things of others were laid on Him at the cross.  He took our place.

First, all of us are sinners deserving to perish.  All of us.  That's the first thing you need to take from the first 5 verses of Luke 13.  No sinner who dies unexpectedly or horribly is worse than you.  I know it hurts, but Jesus tells the truth.

Second, Jesus is not giving up on us!  As long as you have breath, you have a chance with God.  In the parable following these verses, Jesus talks about a vineyard the owner was ready to plow over when suddenly, a man shows up to stand in the gap and attempts to resurrect it one last time.  That is Jesus!  He is the one who digs into our hearts and fertilizes it with His Word.

Will we listen? Will we repent?

PRAYER

Father, YOU are GOOD!  I am not.  I am thankful that in your goodness you reached down to save me.  Thank you for Jesus!  Thank you for kindness. Thank you for loving me.  Help me to live for the glory of your Name!  Always!  AMEN.