May 30, 2026 · David Farmer
But Have Eternal Life
“There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 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? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.””
Luke 13:1-5 →
## Some Present
There were some present who talked about (insert bad news here). Aren’t there always people who love a good ol’ bad story...as long as it happened to someone else, right? Luke 12 just closed with Jesus telling them to, “Settle with your accusers. Make amends with the person you’re having issues with.” But some in the crowd say, “Wait a minute! Listen to this bad news. Aren’t some people just troublemakers asking for it? Aren’t they just getting what’s coming to them?” Modern media broadcasts about 17 bad news stories to every 1 good news story, and psych-analyzers and the like have differing opinions on why bad news is so prevalent. Journalist themselves even have a non-consensus understanding of why they’re doing the news in such a skewed ratio. In this case of Jesus’ onlookers, we can tell by His answer what their purpose was. Something in us humans feels better knowing we’re better off than someone else; either in lucky outcomes or in moral standing. “At least I’m not as bad as them!” (points finger away from self)
## Repent
But Jesus is quick to point out to His listeners that they’re in the same boat! The “bad news” could happen to you today or tomorrow
or a year from now, but you should be ready when it comes. So stop worrying about them (points finger away from self again). So He says, “If you don’t repent, you’ll all perish too.” The Greek word here for “perish”, ἀπόλλυμι, sounds a lot like Apollyon (Revelation 9:11) and in concept can reach beyond physical death. In Luke 12:4-7, we learned to fear the One who has authority after the body has been killed. The parallel story in Matthew says “Some kill the body, but He can ἀπόλλυμι the soul and body in Gehenna.” Put your finger down, and be concerned for yourself in this issue...
## Self-Check
No matter your stance, physical death can come. But perishing in totality can be avoided altogether. John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not ἀπόλλυμι but have eternal life.”
## Fig Tree