Every once in a while when a tragedy occurs we hear someone say that this came upon the victims because they were getting judgment for their sins or behavior. Perhaps we have even been guilty of thoughts like that. In our Scripture from Luke’s Gospel this week we read when the Lord Jesus addresses such thinking. Let’s look at what He has to say, and what we need to learn from His message.
As our Scripture passage opens, some people have told Jesus about two incidents where a number of people had died (vs. 1-5). One was when Pontius Pilate, (the Roman Governor of Judea under Emperor Tiberius Caesar from around 26 - 37 AD.), who had several Galileans killed for some unspecified infraction of their laws. The other was when 18 people were killed in Jerusalem when the tower of Siloam fell, crushing them to death. It was a common belief among Jewish people back then, and among some people even today, that when something bad happened to someone, whether resulting in death, injury, or illness, that it was because they were sinners. They believed God was judging them because they were terrible sinners. They believed that if one was in good health, and never had any accidents, then God loved them and was blessing them.
Jesus was quick to correct these people in their thinking that those who were put to death by Pilate, and those who were victims of the tower falling were worse sinners than anyone else. Disasters are a part of the brokenness of this world. Tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes happen, and people are frequently victims. Auto accidents, airplane accidents, fires, and diseases happen, too. They have since the fall of Adam, and it doesn’t necessarily mean the victims are worse sinners than those who are spared. The victims of tragedies are not necessarily recipients of Divine judgment. Whether a person dies in a tragic accident or miraculously survives is not a measure of righteousness.
Sometimes sin is clearly linked to a problem, such as when an alcoholic has an accident while drunk, or a promiscuous teen gets pregnant. However, we should not judge people when there is no clear link. A man will reap what he sows (Galatians 6:7-8), but God doesn’t promise that justice will always be here on earth (II Thessalonians 1:6-7), and He doesn’t promise a carefree life to the righteous (John 16:33). There is no “Christian Karma”. Don’t mix Christianity with Hinduism!
Jesus warned here, though, that this doesn’t mean the people who survive a disaster are without sin. Jesus clearly warned that there is a coming day of judgment for everyone, and we need to be prepared for that day. Instead of judging and blaming others, everyone should look to their own day of judgment. Because we live in a dangerous world where tragedies occur without warning, we must always be ready to meet the Lord God (Hebrews 9:27). All of us need the Savior, and need to be saved.
Jesus continued on by telling a parable about a barren fig tree (vs. 6-9). The owner of the fruitless tree wanted to chop it down, but his gardener said to wait one more year. The fig tree represents those who have brought forth no fruit at all for the Lord. The parable shows the Lord’s forbearance, but also His eventual severity on those who continue to remain fruitless.
Outward appearances don’t necessarily indicate authentic faith. The fig tree looked good from a distance, but had no fruit. When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday the crowds cheered. Yet just a few days later those same crowds were calling for His death. Our faithfulness matters greatly to God, but only when it’s the genuine article, the Fruit of the Spirit, which is produced when we abide in Him. Jesus warned His listeners that God would not tolerate forever a lack of productivity. We need to begin to bear fruit for God’s Kingdom.
Let’s take heed of the warnings the Lord Jesus gives us here. First, we should not be quick to judge others when some tragedy happens, whether it is God’s judgment or not. It is not for us to judge. Secondly, Jesus warns us to be looking to our own life and be ready, for judgment will come one day for each of us. And lastly Jesus tells us we need to be bearing fruit for God in our life.
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