Repent or Perish

Reading: Luke 13:1–9

In this sobering passage, Jesus is told about a tragic event—Galilean worshipers murdered by Pontius Pilate while offering sacrifices. Their blood was mixed with their offerings, a horrifying desecration. Though not recorded elsewhere, this aligns with Pilate’s known brutality. Historian Josephus describes similar outrages, including using sacred funds for Roman construction projects, sparking outrage among the Jews.

Jesus also mentions another disaster: the collapse of a tower in Siloam, which killed eighteen. Possibly tied to the same aqueduct project, this tower may have been part of Jerusalem’s water system. Regardless of its origin, the crowd wanted to know—were those who died more sinful than others?

Jesus gives a striking answer: “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

He shifts the focus from the victims’ guilt to the living’s responsibility. Tragedy, He says, is not always punishment—but it is always a wake-up call.

Then He tells a parable. A man waits three years for a fig tree to bear fruit. Finding none, he orders it cut down. But the gardener pleads, “Give it one more year. I’ll tend it, fertilize it—let’s give it another chance.”

This is the heart of God: just and patient, desiring repentance more than judgment. But patience is not forever. As Matthew Henry warns, “If we do not improve the grace we have, we may justly expect that it will be taken from us.”

Lent is the season of “one more year.” God is digging around the soil of your soul, offering nourishment, urging fruit.

Will you respond?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your mercy and patience. Teach me to hear Your warning and respond with true repentance. Help me bear fruit that honors You. Amen.