At that time some people were there with Jesus. These people told Jesus about what happened to some people from Galilee. Pilate killed those people while they were worshiping. Pilate mixed their blood with the blood of the animals they were sacrificing {to God}. Jesus answered, "Do you think this happened to those people because they were more sinful than all other people from Galilee? No, they were not! But if all of you don't change your hearts and lives, then you will be destroyed like those people were! What about those 18 people that died when the tower of Siloam fell on them? Do you think those people were more sinful than all the people that live in Jerusalem? They were not! But I tell you if you don't change your hearts and lives, then you will all be destroyed too!"
— Luke 13:1-5 NLT
Key Thought
The word repent carries with it all sorts of images, depending upon one's background. Jesus is concerned that we understand one central concept with the word—turn around! He wants each of us to realize that living life as we think best, as seems best to us, is a disaster. We need to turn around and let him set our values, direction, and lifestyle. Each of us, left to our own best choices, is going to ultimately fail. So we need to repent—to change our hearts and lives, turn around, and go in his direction.
Today's Prayer
Father, I find myself sometimes full of pride and self-confidence that I can determine the best way and the best direction for my life. Yet, dear Father, I recognize that unless I turn around and follow Jesus, my life is ultimately headed for destruction. Today, dear Father, I re-commit to begin each new day with a passion to live for you, guided by your Spirit, and living with Jesus as my Lord. I know that many of my activities may not be significantly different, but I do know that the purpose in them will be different. I know that other things that I have chosen to do in the past, I will not do because they do not honor you or reveal your character in me. Bless me as I seek to live for you. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Acts 2:38-41
- Acts 3:19-20
- Acts 17:27-31
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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