Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 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? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

Devotion based on Luke 13:1-5

“The toilet is broken! We’re out of milk! I need help with my homework!” My wife and I hear our kids say things like this on a weekly basis. They know that when there is a problem or a need, they can turn to their parents, and we will help. We have a proven track record of doing so. For years they have come to Mom and Dad, and time after time, we have come through.

However, there are some things in life that are out of a parent’s hands. After all, I couldn’t resuscitate Finn, our kids’ pet fish, when he floated to the top of his bowl. I couldn’t blunt the pain of the comments from the bully at school. I couldn’t make the fever or tummy ache vanish with the snap of my fingers.

Pain had struck a community of people. A cruel politician had cut down some people in cold blood while they worshiped. People lost loved ones. They were beside themselves and couldn’t make sense of the pain. Thankfully, they did the best thing they could do—they took their troubles to Jesus!

There are some things beyond a parent’s control. But Jesus? There isn’t anything that is beyond him—not even death! The fact that Jesus rose victorious from the grave is the greatest proof of all that he has defeated our greatest trouble. So, when those troubles come, turn to the one who has the power. Turn to Jesus!

Prayer:

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.