March 11 Sermon– Luke 13:1-9 & 21:5f

Not the answer we want, but the one we need

In our reading about the Last Week in Jesus’ Life, we’ve come to chapter 21 - when He talks about the end of the world. You may have found this a difficult chapter to follow. So before I go to chapter 21, I’ll step back in Jesus ministry to months before he was in Jerusalem. It illustrates a teaching method of Jesus that he also uses in chapter 21 – but I think you’ll find it easier to follow. Then we’ll look at how His teaching is amplified and intensified in that last week.

The key is that sometimes when asked a question, Jesus doesn’t give the answer we want, but rather gives us the word we need to hear.

One day while Jesus was teaching, some present told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

Their implied question: What are we to make of this tragedy? Why were these Galileans killed by Roman troops?

In response Jesus asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 13:1,2

Do you thin their suffering was the consequence of their sin?

No.

Sin does have tragic consequences, but not all tragedies are the result of sin. Then Jesus reminded them of another recent event.

Those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them-- do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 4.5

The tower that fell down, who’s to blame?

Not those who died - they were not worse sinners.

Jesus provides no answer to their implied question about unfairness and injustice. Perhaps because there is no simple, good answer to the question of unmerited suffering. After all, Jesus, the Christ of God, suffered unjustly, even though he was without sin.

Rather than dealing with the question “Who is to blame for unjust suffering?” Jesus redirects our attention to something that is under our control. “I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."

Sure, there are events over which we don’t have control – accidents happen – but we are not powerless. We do have power over our own lives – over our personal decisions. We can set the direction of our lives.

The context of this call to repentance adds a note of urgency. In both cases, tragedy struck unexpectedly. Some Galileans were journeying to Jerusalem when Pilate’s troops cut them down. Some residents were going about their business when a tower collapsed without warning and crushed them. Life is unpredictable. Unless you repent while you still have time, you will all perish just as they did.

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Jesus didn’t give them the answer they sought, but rather the word they needed to hear. He uses that same technique several times in chapter 21 - the current installment of our reading for the Last Week in Jesus’ Life. For that reason, it seems the subject of the conversation keeps changing – and it becomes hard to follow.

For example, the conversation begins with the disciples commenting on the beauty of the temple – and then Jesus told them one day it will be destroyed – not one stone will be left upon another.

Teacher, when will this happen?

But instead of answering that question, he tells what they will need to know after that happens, when ever it does.

"Beware that you are not misled; for many will come in my name and say, 'The end time is near!' Don’t believe them. 21:8

He didn’t answer their question “when”, but warns them about false prophets who will tell them that this is a sign that the end of the world is near. Don’t believe them. That’s word they need to hear.

Then Jesus spoke of wars and insurrections – and again tells them the end will not follow immediately.

There will be bad times ahead – the destruction of Jerusalem and wars and suffering. Then the word they need to hear, redirecting their attention to what they can do.

Don’t be afraid, but rather see this as an opportunity for testimony – for faithful witness to the Lord, as he says. This will be your opportunity to tell others about me. 13

Our faithful witness will be different.

But the principle is the same. Jesus says Don’t worry in advance about what you will say. for I will give you words and a wisdom. 14,15

When we talk about Christ to others His Spirit will aid us – will inspire within us an appropriate message, helping us to find the words to say.

So get on with the work the Lord has given you – look for opportunities to speak to others about Jesus and his church. You don’t have forever, so make the most of this day the Lord has given you.

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I’ll talk about the rest of chapter 21 on Wednesday. It concludes with a call to be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength - remain faithful no matter what happens. 36

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We began with the questions: Why did this accident happen - why do the innocent suffer – Then we moved to quires about the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world. In each case, instead of answering the question, Jesus directed His listeners’ attention back to what they should do – what is in their power to do.

Could the be the way the Lord deals with your question?

You ask “Why Lord did this happen? It’s so unfair.”

Maybe its some set back that‘s not your fault – it just happened. The company is downsizing – and you get downsized. Or a tragic accident – or bad medical diagnosis – or the loss of a loved one. Why Lord?

But as in the gospel, he doesn’t answer your question. Instead, he would give you the word you need to hear now – and for your future.

The Lord would tell you, as he told them, to keep the faith, to pray, and to concentrate on what you can do. You are not powerless. Sometimes he’ll even show you that this is an opportunity – that what was intended for evil can, with his help, be turned around and used for good.

The Lord may not give you the answer you want – but rather he’ll give you the answer you need.

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On this Third Sunday in Lent, we may want to have a theological discussion of the events leading to the end times, or maybe about the problem of unmerited suffering. Why Lord do you allow bad things to happen to good people?

In a sense, we might even want to judge God. Lord, with all respect, I feel that the way you’ve structured your world is just a bit unfair at times. And so on.

But the Lord Jesus deflects our questions. We may want to judge, but then he reminds us that he is our judge.

And then He starts questioning us, - giving us the word we need to hear - and pronouns a verdict upon us. You must repent. Repentance means you must let go of your own devices – your own desires – and turn to God - cling only to God.

Jesus didn’t say specifically what we need to do to repent - to turn away from, and to change. Maybe that’s because it’s a question between each one of us and God. Your answer will be different from mine. But Lent is the time to ponder: What are the things in my life that keep me from whole heartedly following in the way of Christ?

Jesus is in Jerusalem, where he will suffer and die. And on his way, he puts before us a question.

“Will you repent, change direction in your life, and walk with me on the way I am going? - Deny yourself, and take up your cross and follow me?”

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Jesus told a parable that’s especially appropriate for Lent.

A man had planted a fig tree but For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down!

The gardener replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put fertilizer on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' "

Could we be like that unproductive fig tree? The gardener is giving us another chance.

But Jesus, like a gardener, digs around in our lives with his questions.

Why do you continue in your sinful ways? You know they are really self destructive.

Why are you reluctant to walk in my way? You know that it is the way to joy and peace.

Why are you so slow in doing what you know you should do for my kingdom? Serve me and you will find fulfillment and satisfaction.