When Jesus lived on earth... - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.
Luke 13:3

When Jesus lived on earth, people came to Him and reported an atrocity committed by Pilate, the governor. Pilate had executed the inhabitants of Galilee with horrifying cruelty. The reaction of Jesus is surprising because He doesn’t even address this cruel deed. Instead, He poses a counter-question to His listeners: “Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things?” (v. 2).

Unfortunately, people are often far too quick to comment on terrible events. We also quickly form judgments about them. We get excited about the cold-blooded cruelty of the perpetrators. Social media has also created a whole new dynamic. With a click of a mouse or a tap of the finger, anyone can spread personal impressions, attempted explanations and opinions all over the world. Thus, we are constantly exposed to a flood of news which easily prevents us from pausing and thinking carefully.

The Lord Jesus deals with reports of horror in a completely different way. He sees beyond the words. He knows the motives for the spreading of bad news. That is why He appeals to the consciences of those present. Instead of commenting on the motives of the perpetrator or the suffering of the victims, He confronts His listeners with the serious statement of today’s verse: “unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”.

However, the call of the Son of God to “repent” goes further than a person just putting their own house in order. Repenting is more than sorting out your life and living piously. It is more than being blameless before men. Repentance means judging myself as God judges me and making a change of direction with my whole life. Then, when I recognise myself as guilty, I can come to God with my sins, confess them to Him, and be forgiven – so that I do not “perish”.

Today’s reading: Isaiah 40:1-17 · Hebrews 5:11-14