How to respond to the tragedy in the Boston Marathon

I have always found the stories in the beginning of Luke 13 intriguing. The 13th chapter seems to be the continuation of a long lecture to thousands of people who were following Jesus beginning in the 12th chapter. The two chapters are made up of many different lessons which generally serve to encourage Jesus' disciples or to warn those who were just coming for the ride.

Jesus was asked by someone in the crowd for his comments on likely a recent news event concerning "the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices" (verse 1). Apparently these Galileans were pilgrims whom Pilate slaughtered while they were making animal sacrifices - thus their blood was mixed with the animal blood (see Carrington's reference to Josephus' document). Jesus understood the point of his question which is "did they suffer because of their sins?". He then asked him back to comment on likely another recent tragedy event concerning "the eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them" (verse 4). These were innocent people who died in an accident. They too didn't die because of their sins. (There is a lovely write up in Wikipedia about the Tower of Siloam). Jesus used both of these stories to warn those who were present that "Unless you repent, you too will all perish" (verse 5). He then further explained that true repentance should result in bearing fruit. He illustrated this with the parable of the fig tree (verse 6). In this parable, the owner (i.e. God) of the fig tree that didn't produce any fruit after 3 years told his servant to cut it down. But the servant pleaded with the owner to wait another year. He would dig around it and fertilize it to give it another chance. I think this servant is Jesus himself. He is ever so patient with us. He nurtures us to give us an opportunity to repent and bear fruit.

We are sad about many of the world's events these days. Many innocent people are killed. The most recent famous event happened during the Boston Marathon (Boston Marathon bombings April 15, 2013). When such event happens it will generate questions, many of which are spiritual in nature. If I remember what Jesus has taught me today, as much as I too would be upset and share the sadness with all, I could use the opportunity to point others to Jesus.

2 Peter 3:9

New International Version (NIV)

⁹ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.