1. In a number of passages Jesus revealed why He came to earth. 2. Mark 2:17 is one such passage -- He came to call sinners to repentance. 3. Perhaps this will help us understand why Jesus began His ministry by calling upon people to repent (Mark 1:14-15). 4. Since Jesus considered repentance to be so important, this is the subject we are studying in our lesson. 5. Let us begin by examining . . .
Discussion:
I. LUKE 13:1-5
A. (vs.1) The Setting: Some people told Jesus about a tragedy that had occurred. 1. Pilate had mingled the blood of some people from Galilee with their sacrifices. 2. Pilate was the governor of Judea, and the ruler of Galilee was Herod. 3. (Luke 23:12) Before Jesus was crucified these men were enemies. 4. It seems that certain people went from Galilee to Jerusalem to worship. 5. While they offered their sacrifices, Pilate had them killed. 6. Jesus was being told about those people from Galilee who had been killed while they were offering their sacrifices. B. (vs.2-5) Jesus corrected a false belief that was quite popular. 1. (vs.2) Jesus asked a question about the Galileans who were killed. a. A popular doctrine was believed which taught that people suffered as a result of their sins (see John 9:1-3). b. Those who held this view would have assumed that the Galileans who died were sinful people who deserved their treatment. c. Those who held this view concluded that those who do not suffer are living pure lives in God's sight. 2. (vs.3) Jesus informed the people who brought up this matter that, if they did not repent of their sins, they would all perish. 3. (vs.4) Jesus continued by asking a question about 18 people who were killed when a tower fell on them. 4. (vs.5) Jesus again told those present that, if they did not repent themselves, they would all perish. C. These statements of Christ show us that: 1. He commands us to repent 2. those who refuse to repent will suffer eternal destruction.
II. WHAT IS REPENTANCE?
A. Repent: "to change the mind" B. However, the fruit of repentance is a change of life. 1. (Matthew 3:8) John said, "Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." 2. (Acts 3:19) Peter said, "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that yoursins may be blotted out." C. Repentance is much more than being sorry for something we have done -- it is a change of mind that results in a change of life (Matthew 21:28-29).
III. WHO IS REQUIRED TO REPENT?
A. The Lord wants everyone to repent (2 Peter 3:9). B. To be more specific,: 1. non-Christians must repent in order to be saved (Acts 2:38) 2. Christians must repent when we sin (Acts 8:22).
IV. CERTAIN FACTORS SHOULD MOTIVATE US TO REPENT, INCLUDING:
A. judgment to come (Acts 17:30-31) B. the goodness of God (Romans 2:4) C. godly sorrow for sin (2 Corinthians 7:10).
Conclusion:
1. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance. 2. Have you responded to His call? (Matthew 11:28-30)
