An important passage of the N. T. that deals with the questions of suffering and providence is found in Luke 13:1-9. The discussion resulted from a public slaughter ordered by the Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate.
I. Historic Background.
A. Pilate ruled Judea from A.D. 26 to 36, and his administration was marked by cruelty and many massacres.
B. The one referred to by Luke had occurred in the Temple area during the Feast of Tabernacles.
C. Pilate's henchmen, disguised as worshipers, had suddenly attacked and killed a group of Galileans, literally mingling their blood with that of their sacrifices.
D. This was apparently in retaliation for a conspiracy that was brewing in the northern province of Galilee.
E. Pilate had caused resentment through- out Jerusalem by confiscating Temple monies for the purpose of improving the cities' water supply.
F. The event may have just taken place when several men of Jerusalem interrupted Jesus' teaching to relate the shocking story.
G. These "reporters" seem to have been people who came to Jesus not to be taught by Him but to seize an opportunity to confront Him with more disturbing questions.
II. Jesus Responds to the Report.
A. The Motive.
1. They seemed less concerned about Pilate's atrocity than about the guilt of his victims.
2. We can see that this was their real interest from Jesus' reply in the form of a question:
"Suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay . . ." (vv. 2, 3).
3. Jesus, reading their hearts, rebuked their judgmental attitude and reminded them of another recent tragedy:
4. Where eighteen men were killed by a falling tower at Siloam, possibly during the construction of Pilate's new water system.
"Think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay" (v4-5)
5. Both of these calamities had stunned the city of Jerusalem.
6. Such disastrous events raised questions then, as they do today, concerning God's judgments and man's responsibility.
7. The religious leaders of the day had come up with their answer.
a. Those who suffered in such ways were undoubtedly evil men, and the calamity was a direct visitation of God upon them.
b. They wanted Jesus to confirm their answer.
B. Jesus' Answer
1. He quickly refuted that idea, as well as the tendency among men, to judge rashly.
2. Jesus did not attempt to explain or interpret these terrible events-one an accident, the other an atrocity-but He did indicate to His inquirers what their attitudes should be:
a. Rather than judging the unfortunate victims of these tragedies, they should take warning and examine their own hearts.
b. He declared, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" (vv. 3, 5).
3. These men had not recognized any connection between these recent events and the need in their own lives.
4. Jesus taught them the parable of the fig tree (representative of Israel).
a. Perhaps He was looking ahead to the devastation of Rome that would come upon Jerusalem.
b. Note: v34-35
c. Great destruction and tragedy would come to this city, would they be ready?
d. What about us?
5. His message to them had been clear:
a. This tragedy must not lead you to judgment, or to complacency, but to repentance.
b. Let 's not repeat their error by being so concerned with our own questions that we cannot hear His voice speaking through the storm of our lives.
C. Note an O.T. Example: De. 8:2-5
1. Why did the Israelites suffer as they did?
2. God was working in their lives.
3. To humble...to prove...and to know their hearts. v2
Next week we will consider the providence of God and what part it plays in suffering.