A horrible wrong that needed a right Focus

Read Luke 13.

In the opening verses of this chapter, a horrific incident was reported to Jesus.  Pontius Pilate served as the governor of Judea.  He had been appointed by the Emperor Tiberius.  Evidently, there were some Galileans who had rebelled against Pilate's authority.  When they came to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices, Pilate had them massacred.  Even more, alarming was that their blood "had mingled with their sacrifices."  This sacrilege and the hatred of the Roman occupation added emotional fuel to the fire of their spiritual misunderstandings.

It appears that the purpose of relaying this story had more to do with judging those who died than their concern for human life.  This is reveal by Jesus' response.

During this time, the religious leaders in Israel taught that bad things happen to bad people.  Indeed, unchecked, personal, sinful behavior may lead to disastrous consequences.  Yet, in this life, that is certainly not a universal truth.  Bad things happen to everyone, even the godliest among us. Physical maladies, accidents, and violence can and do happen to anyone at any time.  Our daily newspapers are filled with such examples.  To assume, as these in the crowd did, that the worshipers were killed because of some great sin was a gross misunderstanding of God's character and the frailty of human life.  One way or another, everyone will eventually die physically.

Jesus tried to turn their focus away from judging others and to look at themselves.  Twice, He stated, "...unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."  Repentance of sin and faith in God is the only guarantee of eternal life.

To illustrate His point further, Jesus told a story about a fig tree.  The owner planted it and then gave the tree some time to grow in order to produce fruit.  In his patience, he even allowed extra time before he took decisive action.  This delivered a thinly disguised message.  Just because one was born a Jew and went through the motions of obeying the Law does not automatically spare one from God's ultimate judgment.  He is looking for the evidence of a genuine believer.  It is an inside out faith.

The same is true with followers of Christ.  Being born into a Christian family and going to church will not suffice.  God is looking for true repentance from sin that is evidenced by a changed life and bears spiritual fruit that others can see.    This life is temporal at best.  Faith in Jesus secures our eternal life.