During the personal ministry of our Lord, a group that was with Him told Him of a cruel incident when Pilate had some Galileans murdered while they were offering sacrifices (Luke 13:1). The incident is one of which we know nothing. There is no other reference to it in the Bible or other external sources. Not even Josephus refers to it.
It is clear from the response of Jesus that those who referred to the incident believed that the Galileans deserved what they got. This was probably due to the reputation that they rightfully had of being exceedingly wicked. Still, their conclusion was unwarranted. Bad things do not only happen to the wicked. The difficulties of life, including unfortunate calamities, are no respecter of persons. Besides, we all sin from time to time. Jesus, knowing this to be true, gave what had to have been an unexpected admonition to the people.
Luke 13:3 (ESV)
3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
While tragedy sometimes invades our lives without invitation, sin is a personal choice. Furthermore, unlike the difficulties of life, the consequences of sin can be averted. How? By repenting of our sins. If we do not, we will ultimately perish in a devil’s hell. Can you see the importance of repentance?
What is repentance? To repent is simply to have a change of mind. In Matthew 21:28-32, Jesus gave a parable illustrating true repentance.
Matthew 21:28-32 (ESV)
28 “What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ 29 And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. 30 And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him.
The first son had a rebellious heart, but in the end, he did the will of his father because he repented, that is, he changed his mind. How do we know? It was verified by his actions. He brought forth the fruit of repentance by going to work in the vineyard. True repentance is always followed by the proper fruit. What causes a person to repent? Paul tells us.
2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)
10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
Some are sorry after they sin only after they get caught. They now dread the consequence. True repentance takes place when one is sorry about displeasing and disappointing God. He has a change of heart toward God, wants to do what is right in His sight, and acts accordingly. It is this that leads to salvation. From this, we should all see the important role repentance plays in attaining eternal life. Salvation is impossible without it.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.