What Jesus Said

For over thirty years i lived in the Boston area although only about six months in the actual city. Happened to be flying back from California when the bombing at the Marathon happened. The plane was equipped with individual monitors so i could follow the coverage. Many people expressed their thoughts, condolences, and in a few cases their prayers for the victims. The most recent report that I have heard says that three have died, eight more are in critical condition and at least 176 were injured. As i listened i could not help remembering what Jesus said about a similar situation in His day.
     "There were present at that season some who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices (i.e. killed them). And Jesus answered and said to them, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things. I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse sinners than all other men who dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." ( Luke 13:1-4 NKJV)
     How radically different is His response? These are the words and thoughts of Jesus. He expresses what is truly important- that we repent and give up our lives of sin and disobedience in order to follow Him.
     But isn't Jesus compassionate and loving? Yes. "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing. See! Your house is left to you desolate; for I say to you, you shall see Me no more till you say, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Matthew 23:37-39)