"Why Did It Happen?"

N.T.# 582 "Why Did It Happen?"

July 2, 2025 

Luke 13 

LET IT GLOW

I think we can agree that Pontius Pilate was a ruthless ruler. There is no historical record of this sadistic brutal man killing defenseless Jews in the Galilean area, yet Doctor Luke mentions it here in verse 1. Pilate had done so on other occasions so the Jews would dare not protest his policies. The people were murdered while behaving righteously. 

Why do bad things happen to good people? That has been a long-time question. The Romans were wicked people. That is why the Jews so badly needed a political and military Messiah, one who would overthrow this evil ruler and hold him accountable for his sins. We don't know whether the Galileans were  slaughtered while sacrificing or killed for some reason in connection with the sacrifice. It really doesn't matter. They were killed. 

These first-century Jews, like folks of today, believed that good things happen to good people and bad things happen as a result of sin. At any rate, this left the people confused. It was like this, "Were those who died worse sinners than their neighbors who did not die?" (Swindoll)

It was a matter of self-righteousness. We are all sinners-those who died and we who live today (you and I). The Galileans victims were not worse sinners than we are. Really, we are just as bad as them. However, if we have repented of our sins and believed in Jesus as our Savior, we are saved sinners. 

LET IT GROW

Did you see a phrase which Jesus spoke of twice? 

Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. (verses 3, 5)

Another example of tragic deaths was the time a tower fell on 18 people and killed them. It was a random tragedy. Were they worse sinners?

1. If you believe that sin is the basis of all calamities, then you should repent right away; your calamity might be next.
2. Sin does indeed lead to calamity-at the final judgment. Repent! (Swindoll)

It was a warning for the Jews of what was to come for them. In AD 70, the first Jewish-Roman War ended with the destruction of the temple; by AD 135, two more defeats left the Jewish nation without a home. 

God is still on His throne and sovereignly reigns. He is just, too. Evil exists in this world, so some things can be explained by those doing evil deeds. Jesus warns us to repent of our sins. This is no guarantee that tragedy will not strike our family. Things just happen. We must always be ready, standing strong in faith. 

 LET IT GO

Love God, repent of sins, love others. Be ready for Jesus to return.