Major Dalton - June 23, 2024
The Patient Gardner
How long til the next national tragedy? We don't know. But we do know the conversations that will occur in the days after. On his way to Jerusalem for one final visit, the visit that would lead to a cross and end with an empty tomb, Jesus passed through the border region between Galilee and Samaria. As was the custom of the day, he traveled with a group. Then, as now, there is safety in numbers. But of course, nothing is guaranteed. People can experience tragedy anywhere. Maybe this is what sparked the conversation in Luke 13:1-9. The nation was still reeling from a national tragedy. A group of Jewish worshippers had made a fateful journey from Galilee, just like this crowd. They were on their way to Jerusalem for the Passover, just like this crowd. As they were on their way to the Temple, Pilot ordered them and their sacrifices executed. Worshippers executed in the very act of worship by a tyrant on the most holy day of the year! Why did this happen? Where was God in the chaos? One of the ways we cope with tragedy is to discuss it, and share the most up-to-date news with others. So, some of the travelers naturally mentioned the event to Jesus. When he joins the conversation, his response is startling. "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way?" he inquires, "No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:2–3) What?! Throughout my ministry, I have extensively studied practices for effective grief counseling. And nowhere, in any course, class, book, or podcast, has anyone ever suggested offering comfort by saying, "That's a really tough question, but unless you repent, you’re next!” But that is exactly what Jesus has done here. They have made a makeshift memorial of the mind commemorating the loss of their fellow countrymen; and Jesus coarsely says, “Yeah, and you are headed for the same fate.” Join us Sunday as we examine this passage, and the parable Jesus tells, to understand why Jesus would say such a thing. And answer that timeless question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?"