There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:1-3

The orthodox Jews of Jesus time had very bad theology. They believed if someone was disabled or a tragedy happened to them, that God was punishing them for their sin. Jesus is using an example here of the Gailileans to debunk their belief. These Gailileans, apparently were murdered by Pilate and offered as sacrifices to Roman pagan gods, just an example of how ruthless Rome was and wicked with their paganism

However as Jesus says “Do you think these Galileans suffered this fate because they were greater sinners than the rest of the Galileans”? We can look at this from our modern perspective. Do you think you or someone you might know who suffered a horrific tragedy deserved it because they were a sinner? No of course not, this is not how God works

As Jesus makes clear, unless all of us repent, we will all perish! This is a part of the gospel that is missing in most Churches today, we are all sinners and all have fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) The religious leaders believed they were righteous and didn’t need any repentance, however Christ set things straight, we all need to repent!

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:4-5

Again Jesus uses another tragic example to display, these men whom the tower fell on and killed were not a result of their sin. The reality is we are all sinners and need to repent! Now the good news is Jesus Christ is the atonement for our sins. The whole reason Jesus came here to Earth, to become a man, was to die for our sins! 

Jesus said twice here “Unless you repent, you will also perish”! How often is this message ever preached in our Churches today? Never, why? Because all we care about is numbers, entertainment, and programs. It’s time we actually care about peoples souls! Making people feel good and welcomed is not saving them from Hell

It’s time to get serious about your salvation, its time to get serious about Christ! Repent or Perish, time is running out! Amen!