“Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What kind of reaction did the people who told Jesus about Pilate’s cruelty expect from Him? Disgust? Outrage? Condemnation? 

These people were in for a shock! Jesus didn’t condemn Pilate. He didn’t commiserate with the victims. He didn’t express condolences to the families. He turned on those who reported to Him! Why?

The reporters could do nothing about Pilate’s actions but they could do something about their own attitude! What was their attitude? Was it judgment? “How terrible of Pilate! I would never to something like that!” Was it gloating? “They must have deserved what they got.” 

Instead, Jesus warned…”Watch out that you don’t find yourself in the same boat!” Isn’t it strange…interesting…amazing…that we naturally turn our attention to the sufferer or the perpetrator and judge…blame…condemn…rather than scrutinise ourselves for our own attitudes! We are quick to look at ourselves when we need to exonerate our attitudes or behaviour but quick to look at others to blame or condemn when things go wrong for them. 

Our land is, at present, uncovering a plethora of evil behaviour, especially in our leaders. I find myself alongside all those who self-righteously judge and condemn the wicked. I stand with those who gloat over the downfall of wrongdoers, happy that they have been found out and desperately hoping that they will get their day in court. 

Is this Jesus’ way? 

“Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Wow! That is shocking! Jesus shot straight from the hip! “With an attitude like that (and Jesus read their hearts), you are as guilty as those who perished!”

What was Jesus saying? How true that we are quick to judge others for their sin and slow to take responsibility for our own. More than that, our sin is of the heart, unseen, when we are glad when those who oppose us, or those we don’t like, suffer. 

God’s Word is clear…

“Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the Lord will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ NIV

God’s way digs deep into our own hearts and uncovers the rot that still lurks inside us. Jesus’ response to the suffering of others, especially those we consider enemies, is to repent of the thoughts of our callous hearts. “Return!” He says.  “Come back to God’s way of viewing your enemies!”

The only acceptable attitude of a redeemed heart is one of forgiveness, mercy, and generosity. 

“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you…Do to others as you would have them do to you…But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭27‬-‭28‬, ‭31‬, ‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When the Holy Spirit looks deep into our hearts, does He see the heart of Jesus?

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” …

‭‭Luke‬ ‭23‬:‭34‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Attitudes and actions like this are only possible through God’s grace. When we act on Jesus’ prescription, “Ask the Father for holy desires,” He responds with grace and mercy towards us. 

Let us who are called by His name not be fake. In our weakness, let’s be honest. Let’s call on His name for the grace to be merciful and compassionate towards those who fall, knowing that we stand only because of God’s infinite mercy towards us. 

To be continued…