In the context, Jesus has just been rebuking the multitude because they were able to discern the weather, but they were oblivious to the signs of the times, namely, that Messiah was in their midst (12:54-56). He used an illustration (12:57-59) of a man who is going to be dragged into court with a losing lawsuit against him. If he is smart, he will quickly settle with his opponent before it’s too late. The point is, we all have a debt of sin toward God. If we are aware of our situation, we will be quick to get right with God before we come into judgment.

Jesus was speaking to men who did not apply spiritual truth to themselves (12:56-57). From His reply, we can also surmise that these men were smugly thinking that those who suffered such tragedies were deserving of God’s judgment, whereas the fact that they had been spared such tragedies meant that they were pleasing to God.

Then Jesus tells a parable (13:6-9) that underscores the point: If you don’t repent, you will soon face God’s judgment.

Thus rather than asking the question “Why?” with regard to suffering, we should ask the question, “What?” What does this tragedy teach me? Our Lord’s answer is; tragedies should teach us that since death and judgment are imminent, we need to be ready through true repentance.

Discussion Questions

1. How can we deal with the fear that a tragedy may strike our loved ones or us?
2. Why doesn’t God exempt believers from tragedies? Why does He not just punish the wicked with tragedies?
3. How can a Christian know if he or she is truly repentant? What are some signs of true repentance?
4. Some argue that repentance is not necessary for salvation, because salvation is by faith alone. What Scriptures refute this? How would you counter their arguments?