You, Too, Repent!

Sermon delivered by Pastor Finn on Sunday, March 24, 2019 LENT 3

Text: "You, Too, Repent!" 1.) A call that is constant. 2.) A call that is crucial.

In the name of Jesus, dear Christian friends.

We’ve been hearing a lot about severe weather in the news lately. The tornadoes down south. Flooding here in the Midwest.

Or a father visits his son in the hospital's ICU after he's injured in a serious car accident. After seeing him he meets a couple of his son's buddies in the waiting room and he says, "Unless you guys slow down and are more careful, you will end up here someday, too."

One of the frustrating things state authorities and first responders have to deal with are people who don’t take warnings seriously. A flood warning is issued or a sign is put out on the road, like a warning about high water, and what do people do? “Well, I really thought I could make it through. I made it through last time. I didn’t really think it was that bad.” That’s all fine and good until the times it puts the lives of emergency workers at risk when they’re trying to get that person out of trouble.

Or a father visits his son in the hospital's ICU after he's injured in a serious car accident. After seeing him he meets a couple of his son's buddies in the waiting room and he says, "Unless you guys slow down and are more careful, you will end up here someday, too."

That’s all fine and good until sometimes it puts emergency workers in dangerous positions and lives can even be lost.

Simple and direct. That's what the crowd gets from Jesus in our text for today, too, when he says, (v.3,5) "Unless you, repent, you too will all perish."

God puts warnings in place in the world for a reason, too. He doesn’t want anyone to perish in their sins, but to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved! And in Word this morning, Jesus is about as direct as you can be with people because he wants to get through to them while there is time! “Unless you, too, repent you will all perish!” May the Lord’s call to repentance benefit us and those we love, as well as the people we witness to in life. Let’s see how the Lord's call to repentance is a constant one, and that it’s absolutely crucial that we all hear and respond to what he says in this call to repentance and faith.

warning people about their sin and need for repentance. He’s about as direct as you could be about it, too--

Finally, to get their attention, Jesus, simply and directly, says, “Unless you, too, repent you will all perish!” Let’s see how the Lord's call to repentance is constant, and that the Lord’s call to repentance is absolutely crucial.

Before we get to Jesus’ words, I’d like you to meet someone. Meet Carl Ferdinand Walther. He’s considered to be American Lutheran’s version of Martin Luther, because of his solid grasp of Scripture. He was a strong leader in the 1800’s at a time when WELS was in its infancy, and a little loosey-goosey yet in her doctrine and practice. At that time Lutherans like Walther (Saxony , Germany) helped bring WELS under their wing so that we too became confessional Lutheran over time too. Anyway, in his book, “The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel.,” he had this to say: “People imagine God up in heaven far removed from his Word here on earth…Be not deceived…we only repeat what God has spoken…on the Last Day many will be surprised when God will recount to them all the Sundays he stood ready to absolve them…They will see that they have often stood at the gate of heaven and refused to enter.” (pp.189,192)

He’s that direct because it didn’t seem like he was getting through to them. Ever feel that way about someone—you wish you get through to them, but don’t know how

He can tell he isn’t getting through to these people who aren’t at all aware of the real spiritual danger they are in. They don’t think the warning applies to them, so finally, Jesus, simply and directly, says,

He’s that direct because it didn’t seem like he was getting through to them. Ever feel that way about someone—you wish you get through to them, but don’t know how

We appreciate simple and direct from people who love us. So when we hear our Lord Jesus saying, "You, too, Repent!" we know we need to listen because he’s God, and he loves us, and knows what’s best for us. This morning let’s see how the Lord's call to repentance is constant, and that it’s crucial, that we not only hear his words, but also take them to heart and act on them.

warning people about their sin and need for repentance. He’s about as direct as you could be about it, too--

He can tell he isn’t getting through to these people who aren’t at all aware of the real spiritual danger they are in. They don’t think the warning applies to them, so finally, Jesus, simply and directly, says,

He’s that direct because it didn’t seem like he was getting through to them. Ever feel that way about someone—you wish you get through to them, but don’t know how

let’s see how the Lord's call to repentance is constant, and that it’s crucial, that we not only hear his words, but also take them to heart and act on them.

Let’s see how the Lord's call to repentance is one that still goes out today, constantly calling on all sinners to repent, and that it’s absolutely crucial that we heed his call.

He can tell he isn’t getting through to these people who aren’t at all aware of the real spiritual danger they are in. They don’t think the warning applies to them, so finally, Jesus, simply and directly, says,

Before we get to Jesus’ words, I’d like you to meet someone. Meet Carl Ferdinand Walther. He’s considered to be American Lutheran’s version of Martin Luther, because of his solid grasp of Scripture. He was a strong leader in the 1800’s at a time when WELS was in its infancy, and a little loosey-goosey yet in her doctrine and practice. At that time Lutherans like Walther (Saxony , Germany) helped bring WELS under their wing so that we too became confessional Lutheran over time too. Anyway, in his book, “The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel.,” he had this to say: “People imagine God up in heaven far removed from his Word here on earth…Be not deceived…we only repeat what God has spoken…on the Last Day many will be surprised when God will recount to them all the Sundays he stood ready to absolve them…They will see that they have often stood at the gate of heaven and refused to enter.” (pp.189,192)

In the verses just before this Jesus was giving a scathing rebuke to people who were able to see signs in the weather, but not in their spiritual life. They could tell when rain or hot weather was coming their way by looking at the clouds rising in the west, or by feeling the hot wind on their face, but somehow they couldn’t apply that same kind of thinking to their spiritual lives. (12:56) "You Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?"

Before we get to Jesus’ words, I’d like you to meet someone. Meet Carl Ferdinand Walther. He’s considered to be American Lutheran’s version of Martin Luther, because of his solid grasp of Scripture. He was a strong leader in the 1800’s at a time when WELS was in its infancy, and a little loosey-goosey yet in her doctrine and practice. At that time Lutherans like Walther (Saxony , Germany) helped bring WELS under their wing so that we too became confessional Lutheran over time too. Anyway, in his book, “The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel.,” he had this to say: “People imagine God up in heaven far removed from his Word here on earth…Be not deceived…we only repeat what God has spoken…on the Last Day many will be surprised when God will recount to them all the Sundays he stood ready to absolve them…They will see that they have often stood at the gate of heaven and refused to enter.” (pp.189,192) The Lord’s call to repentance is constant and it is crucial.

He’s that direct because it didn’t seem like he was getting through to them. Ever feel that way about someone—you wish you get through to them, but don’t know how

He can tell he isn’t getting through to these people who aren’t at all aware of the real spiritual danger they are in. They don’t think the warning applies to them, so finally, Jesus, simply and directly, says,

The Lord’s call to repentance is constant.

“People imagine God up in heaven far removed from his Word here on earth…Be not deceived…we only repeat what God has spoken…on the Last Day many will be surprised when God will recount to them all the Sundays he stood ready to absolve them…They will see that they have often stood at the gate of heaven and refused to enter.” (pp.189,192)

It was Jesus’ message right from the very beginning of his ministry: () “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Remember that the kingdom of God is not a place, but rather, it’s God’s saving activity in the hearts of people through the gospel. But before people ever see a need for the good news of Jesus and his forgiveness, they need to realize bad news about their sin.

The Lord’s call to repentance is constant and it is crucial.

In the verses just before this Jesus was giving a scathing rebuke to people who were able to see signs in the weather, but not in their spiritual life. They could tell when rain or hot weather was coming their way by looking at the clouds rising in the west, or by feeling the hot wind on their face, but somehow they couldn’t apply that same kind of thinking to their spiritual lives. (12:56) "You Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?"

Or a father visits his son in the hospital's ICU after he's injured in a serious car accident. After seeing him he meets a couple of his son's buddies in the waiting room and he says, "Unless you guys slow down and are more careful, you will end up here someday, too."

For example, people hear there’s a flood

warning people about their sin and need for repentance. He’s about as direct as you could be about it, too--

Wendland, E. H. (1982). Sermon Studies on the Gospels (ILCW Series C) (p. 133). Milwaukee, WI: Northwestern Publishing House.

He’s that direct because it didn’t seem like he was getting through to them. Ever feel that way about someone—you wish you get through to them, but don’t know how

Simple and direct. That's what the crowd gets from Jesus in our text for today, too, when he says, (v.3,5) "Unless you, repent, you too will all perish."

(v.4) “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?”

He can tell he isn’t getting through to these people who aren’t at all aware of the real spiritual danger they are in. They don’t think the warning applies to them, so finally, Jesus, simply and directly, says,

coming their way, but what they couldn’t see was how the world and everyone in it was clearly moving toward God’s final judgment.

the crowds disagree with Jesus. No, we know that, Jesus. We know that God judges and punishes sinners. And then they go on to point out some stories recently in the news about a tragedy

We appreciate simple and direct from people who love us. So when we hear our Lord Jesus saying, "You, too, Repent!" we know we need to listen because he’s God, and he loves us, and knows what’s best for us. Jesus could tell it was time to be simple and direct with people. Just before this He was giving a rather scathing rebuke to people who could tell from the weather when something bad was coming their way, but somehow couldn’t apply the same kind of thinking to their spiritual lives. (12:56) "You Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?" Otherwise they would have realized that the whole world and each individual in it, is clearly moving toward God's final judgment.

They seem a little defensive at first. “Yes, Jesus, we get it! We know God judges sinners, like those Galileans Pilate killed—did you hear what happened to them, Jesus?! Pilate mixed their blood with their sacrifices!” Apparently some God-fearing people were executed by Pilate right in the middle of their worship time as they were bringing their sacrifices forward. Knowing their hearts, Jesus asked them, “Okay...” (v.2) “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way?” In other words, do you think this happened because they were somehow worse sinners than other people?” God doesn’t divide the people of this world up into the good apples and bad apples and decide who’s going to get what for! Same point in verse four. (v.4) “Those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?” Both times he gave the answer: (v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

The Lord’s call to repentance is constant.

Sometimes it’s clear that you’re just not getting through to someone.

It was Jesus’ message right from the very beginning of his ministry: () “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Remember that the kingdom of God is not a place, but rather, it’s God’s saving activity in the hearts of people through the gospel. But before people ever see a need for the good news of Jesus and his forgiveness, they need to realize bad news about their sin.

about some Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices.

a storm or he was speaking to for not being able to tell what kind of weather was headed their way by looking at the clouds rising in the west, or by feeling the wind, if it was going to rain or be hot. Jesus said to them,

It seems like some in the crowds disagree with Jesus. No, we know that, Jesus. We know that God judges and punishes sinners. And then they go on to point out some stories recently in the news about a tragedy that happened in Jerusalem recently, about some Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices.

And then listen to Jesus answer. Both times—he says, (v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Some of them seem to be defending themselves when they bring up some things that happened in Jerusalem recently, as if to say, “Jesus, we know God judges and punishes sinners. How about those Galileans whose blood Pilate mixed with their sacrifices?” It was something the Roman governor had done to some Galileans who were apparently God-fearing people who Pilate had killed right as they were bringing their sacrifices forward during worship. Jesus, knowing their hearts, asked them: (v.2) “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way.” In other words, did this happen to them because somehow they were worse sinners than other people? “Or,” Jesus asked, (v.4) “those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?” Both times he gave the answer: (v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

It was an especially ugly thing Pilate had done because these Galileans were apparently God-fearing people who were killed right at the same time they were bringing their sacrifices forward during their worship. Jesus then asked them if they thought this happened to them because they were somehow “worse sinners” than everyone else. He puts it in those exact terms, too, because He really wants to know: (v.2) “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way.”

(v.4) “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?” And then listen to Jesus answer. Both times—he says, (v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Some listening to Jesus, agree with him--perhaps trying to show they weren't stupid--and they bring up some things on the front page of the Jerusalem newspaper that day. "Yes, Jesus, we know that God punishes sinners--did you hear what happened to some Galileans the other day?! Pontius Pilate had them killed right while they were in the middle of offering their sacrifices during worship!"

Jesus would pick up our newspaper today and make the same point with us. Whether it’s an airline accident, or a car pileup on the freeway, or severe weather that takes human lives unexpectedly—each of these tragic occurences should serve as daily reminders to us all that this world and everyone in it is clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment. So, just like you can tell when bad weather’s coming, and you get warnings for that, Jesus would say, live your life in daily repentance, turning to God for his mercy and forgiveness. Don’t worry about other people’s sin. Worrry about your own, and your relationship with God right now.

God doesn’t divide people up into the good apples and bad apples and decide who’s going to get what for! Every Sunday we admit the opposite is true of us all: “I confess that I am (me) by nature, sinful, and that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words and actions.” Sin isn’t just a matter of avoiding bad things; our sinful thoughts, words and actions are all symptoms of what’s wrong with us on the inside. “By nature sinful.” That’s a distinctly Lutheran thing we say in worship. No one else but Lutherans do that. “By nature sinful.”

So there’s no good apples and bad people; there’s just sinners like you and me. If this was the wild west and God was giving out white hats and black hats, he’d be the only one wearing white and we all have black ones on our heads.

God doesn’t divide people up into the good apples and bad apples and decide who’s going to get what for! Every Sunday we admit the opposite is true of us all: “I confess that I am (me) by nature, sinful, and that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words and actions.” Sin isn’t just a matter of avoiding bad things; our sinful thoughts, words and actions are all symptoms of what’s wrong with us on the inside. “By nature sinful.” That’s a distinctly Lutheran thing we say in worship. No one else but Lutherans do that. “By nature sinful.”

Sometimes we do feel the consequences for our sin already in this life, like we saw in the Old Testament Lesson with the sons of Korah. Jesus’ main point today though is: “Don’t ever think you’re better by nature than they, or somehow more deserving of his grace. (v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

How easy it would be for Jesus to pick up our daily newspaper and make the same point with us. Whether it’s an airline accident, or a car pileup on the freeway, or severe weather that takes lives unexpectedly—with each of these tragic occurences Jesus would tell us to remember how the world and everyone in it is clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment.

So there’s no good apples and bad people; there’s just sinners like you and me. If this was the wild west and God was giving out white hats and black hats, he’d be the only one wearing white and we all have black ones on our heads.

Sometimes we do feel the consequences for our sin already in this life, like we saw in the Old Testament Lesson with the sons of Korah. Jesus’ main point today though is: “Don’t ever think you’re better by nature than they, or somehow more deserving of his grace. (v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

How easy it would be for Jesus to pick up our daily newspaper and point to any number of examples of make the same point with us. Whether it’s an airline accident, or a car pileup on the freeway, or severe weather that takes lives unexpectedly—with each of these tragic occurences Jesus would tell us to remember how the world and everyone in it is clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment.

that he was making with with people in his day. Whether it’s an airline accident, or a car pileup on the freeway, or severe weather that takes lives unexpectedly—with each of these tragic occurences Jesus would tell us to remember how the world and everyone in it is clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment.

How easy it would be for Jesus to pick up our daily newspaper and point to any number of examples of make the same point with us. Whether it’s an airline accident, or a car pileup on the freeway, or severe weather that takes lives unexpectedly—with each of these tragic occurences Jesus would tell us to remember how the world and everyone in it is clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment.

So, just like you can tell when bad weather’s coming, and you get warnings for that, Jesus would say, live your life in daily repentance for your sins. Don’t worry about everyone else’s sin. Tend to your own relationship with God now! Realize that God doesn’t divide the people of this world up into the good apples and bad apples and decide who’s going to get what for! Every Sunday we admit the opposite is true of us all: “I confess that I am (me) by nature, sinful, and that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words and actions.” Sin isn’t just a matter of avoiding bad things; our sinful thoughts, words and actions are all symptoms of what’s wrong with us on the inside. “By nature sinful.” That’s a distinctly Lutheran thing we say in worship. No one else but Lutherans do that. “By nature sinful.”

our life here is fragile and short—this world and everyone in it are clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment. So, just like you can tell when bad weather’s coming, and you get warnings for that, Jesus would say, live your life in daily repentance for your sins. Don’t worry about everyone else’s sin. Tend to your own relationship with God now!

and this is what theologians call God’s “strange” work (“strange” in that the first thing we think about with God is bringing good news, life and salvation), allows bad things to happen and uses even tragedies to call people to carefully think about their lives and their walk with God and where they are headed in life.

We get help with that every Sunday in worship, don’t we? “I confess that I am (me) by nature, sinful, and that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words and actions.” Sin isn’t just a matter of avoiding bad things; our sinful thoughts, words and actions are all symptoms of what’s wrong with us on the inside. “By nature sinful.” That’s a distinctly Lutheran thing we say in worship. No one else but Lutherans do that. “By nature sinful.” If this was the wild west and God was giving out white hats and black hats, he’d be the only one wearing white and we all have black ones on our heads. (v.3,5) “Unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Jesus would ask the same thing of us. You know when bad weather’s coming. You get the warnings for that. I have also put warnings in place that you should daily repent of your sins and turn to me. Isn’t it clear to you when tragedies takes place in this world I have made for you that something has gone terribly wrong, and that this world is no longer suited for your eternal happiness?!

(v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

So there’s no good apples and bad people; there’s just sinners like you and me.

Why wouldn’t you listen to my warning to you about repentance too? Doesn’t our Lord make it just as clear to us? How easy it would be for Jesus to pick up one of our newspapers today and make the same point with us. You see all these things happening to people around you? The death of your fellow human beings, in whatever form, is a visual reminder of what I say to you in my Word. “The soul that sins will die.” Whenever we sinners see death, God is calling out us to have our spiritual house in order because he doesn’t want anyone to perish eternally, but everyone to come to repentance and live by faith in Him.

God doesn’t divide people up into the good apples and bad apples and decide who’s going to get what for! Every Sunday we admit the opposite is true of us all: “I confess that I am (me) by nature, sinful, and that I have sinned against you in my thoughts, words and actions.” Sin isn’t just a matter of avoiding bad things; our sinful thoughts, words and actions are all symptoms of what’s wrong with us on the inside. “By nature sinful.” That’s a distinctly Lutheran thing we say in worship. No one else but Lutherans do that. “By nature sinful.”

It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

said this is what the Bible It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.

So there’s no good apples and bad people; there’s just sinners like you and me. If this was the wild west and God was giving out white hats and black hats, he’d be the only one wearing white and we all have black ones on our heads.

Jesus could pick up a newspaper and make the same point real fast with us, too. Whether it’s an airline accident, or a car pileup on the freeway, or severe weather that takes human lives unexpectedly—each of these tragic occurences should serve as daily reminders to everyone that our life here is fragile and short—this world and everyone in it are clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment.

So, just like you can tell when bad weather’s coming, and you get warnings for that, Jesus would say, live your life in daily repentance for your sins. Don’t worry about everyone else’s sin. Tend to your own relationship with God now!

Sometimes we do feel the consequences for our sin already in this life, like we saw in the Old Testament Lesson with the sons of Korah. Jesus’ main point today though is: “Don’t ever think you’re better by nature than they, or somehow more deserving of his grace. (v.3,5) “I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Martin Luther emphasized how this is a daily part of the Christian’s life. Repenting of our sins for Luther was more than just a good idea—it’s the stand out characteristic of the Christian’s life! In his Small Catechism he taught that daily repentance and forgiveness is our way of returning to baptism: He said, “Baptism with water indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Where is this written? St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: ‘We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.’” ()

to not wanting to seem stupid seem like they're trying to defend themselves they bring up a few things

St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: “We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” ()

Martin Luther taught that daily repenting of our sins wasn’t just a good idea—it’s the one thing that marks the Christian’s life as genuine—in his Small Catechism it’s a daily trip back to our baptism: He said, “Baptism with water indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. Where is this written? St. Paul writes in Romans chapter six: ‘We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.’” ()

The Lord’s call is constant. It’s also crucial. Notice in his teaching, Jesus doesn’t say, “Repent, or you too will die,” he says, “Repent, or you to will perish.” There’s a big difference. In the two examples Jesus gave in our text, the incident with Pilate, and the tower at Siloam falling on people, meant sudden death for those victims. But there’s a big difference between dying and perishing in the Bible. The writer to the Hebrews said, () “It is destined for a man to die once, and after that to face judgment.” There’s something worse than dying in a disaster, and that is to die with an unrepentant heart, for then we perish!

That call is constant. It’s effective, too. It works. At least it should. You’ve sensed this at any funeral you’ve attended where people who normally might not think about this stuff are suddenly listening in when the visual aid for the sermon is a casket with a dead body of a loved one or friend in it. Every obituary and every newspaper article reporting on an airline accident, or victims of severe weather shows that the world and everyone in it is clearly and constantly moving toward God’s final judgment.

Notice he doesn’t say, “Repent, or you too will die,” he says, “Repent, or you to will perish.” There’s a big difference. The two examples Jesus gave in our text, the incident with Pilate, and the tower at Siloam falling on people, brought sudden death.

Jesus said to them,

It’s clear Jesus needed to be simple and direct . In the words just before our text, Jesus was giving a rather scathing rebuke to the people he was speaking to for not being able to tell what kind of weather was headed their way by looking at the clouds rising in the west, or by feeling the wind, if it was going to rain or be hot. Jesus said to them, (12:56) "You Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time?" Otherwise they would have realized that the whole world and each individual in it, is clearly moving toward God's final judgment.

We need not wonder what Jesus meant by perish. In it says, “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son—why?!— so that people wouldn’t die?!!?—No—it was so they wouldnt’ perish!!” Scripture uses that word perish as the opposite of eternal life. Of his sheep Jesus said, (,) “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” To Nicodemus he said, () “Whoever believes in [God’s Son] shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

to not wanting to seem stupid seem like they're trying to defend themselves they bring up a few things

The Lord’s call to repentance is so crucial because when we sin it is the most natural thing in the world for us to keep turning away from God instead of confessing our sins and turning back to him. Think of King David who hid his sin from God until Nathan called him to repent. Jonah ran away from God when he disagree with him. The disciples all fled from their Master and Friend when he was crucified.

When we’re caught in the sin, how easy it is for us to come up with ways to justify or excuse ourselves for what we did, or point at others who have done something worse, instead of praying, “O God, against you only have I sinned.”

It’s easy to ignore our sin and turn away from God and his Word, but then we only perish. Jeremiah prayed, () “Turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the Lord my God.” How blessed are we when God works his gift of repentance in our hearts so that instead of turning away, he keeps turning us back again and again to repentance and forgiveness through his Son, Jesus Christ. Like the prodigal son who returned home, God’s Word leads us back to His loving arms, and tells us how he was waiting all the while with his everlasting arms to receive us and restore us to himself again in faith.

How blessed are we when God works his gift of repentance in our hearts so that instead of turning away, he keeps turning us back again and again to repentance and forgiveness through his Son, Jesus Christ. Like the prodigal son who returned home, God’s Word leads us back to His loving arms, and tells us how he was waiting all the while with his everlasting arms to receive us and restore us to himself again in faith.

Once again in this Lenten season may the Holy Spirit lead us to embrace our dear Redeemer who took all our sins to Calvary, and freed us from all our sin and guilt, and clothes us with his righteousness. Once again in his Holy Supper he assures us that his true body and blood are given and shed for us for the forgiveness of all our sins.

May the Holy Spirit keep opening our ears so that we not only hear but also heed the LORD’s constant call to repent and believe the good news, because it’s absolutely crucial. Amen.

It’s easy for us to turn away, too.

God doesn’t want anyone to perish. The word he uses

It’s crucial that we are listening in because of what Jesus says. Notice he doesn’t say, “Repent, or you too will die,” he says, “Repent, or you to will perish.” There’s a big difference. The two examples Jesus gave in our text, the incident with Pilate, and the tower at Siloam falling on people, brought sudden death.

God doesn’t want anyone to perish. The word he uses

You’ve sensed this at any funeral you’ve attended where people who normally might not think about this stuff are suddenly listening with rapt attention when the visual aid for the sermon is a casket with the dead body of a loved one or friend in it.

When something's important, you have to be simple and direct. A mother tells her son, "Don't go until you look both ways. You don't want to get hit by a car!" You want your child to hear and understand, so you're simple and direct.

It’s crucial that we are listening in because of what Jesus says.

He’s constantly you God doesn’t want anyone to perish. The word he uses

When something's important, you have to be simple and direct. A mother tells her son, "Don't go until you look both ways. You don't want to get hit by a car!" You want your child to hear and understand, so you're simple and direct.

Or a father visits his son in the hospital's ICU after he's injured in a serious car accident. After seeing him he meets a couple of his son's buddies in the waiting room and he says, "Unless you guys slow down and are more careful, you will end up here someday, too."

You’ve sensed this at any funeral you’ve attended where people who normally might not think about this stuff are suddenly listening with rapt attention when the visual aid for the sermon is a casket with the dead body of a loved one or friend in it.

Simple and direct. That's what the crowd gets from Jesus in our text for today, too, when he says, (v.3,5) "Unless you, repent, you too will all perish."

It’s crucial that we are listening in because of what Jesus says.

We appreciate simple and direct from people who love us. So when we hear our Lord Jesus saying, "You, too, Repent!" we know we need to listen because he’s God, and he loves us, and knows what’s best for us.

When something's important, you have to be simple and direct. A mother tells her son, "Don't go until you look both ways. You don't want to get hit by a car!" You want your child to hear and understand, so you're simple and direct.

Amen.

Or a father visits his son in the hospital's ICU after he's injured in a serious car accident. After seeing him he meets a couple of his son's buddies in the waiting room and he says, "Unless you guys slow down and are more careful, you will end up here someday, too."

Simple and direct. That's what the crowd gets from Jesus in our text for today, too, when he says, (v.3,5) "Unless you, repent, you too will all perish."

We appreciate simple and direct from people who love us. So when we hear our Lord Jesus saying, "You, too, Repent!" we know we need to listen because he’s God, and he loves us, and knows what’s best for us.