Sunday, March 20
Lent 3 Reflection Guide – When Bad Things Happen
Opening
If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
Scripture
Luke 13:1-9
Scripture Reflection
To be a Christian does not mean we are vaccinated against bad things ever happening to us. However, whether we consciously or subconsciously believe that what happens to us is dependent on our own goodness, a challenging life experience can obliterate our faith. In our scripture, Jesus faces questions about two such crises: one being a violent human act, the other was a tragic accident. Underneath these questions, is another: “How do we get it ‘right,’ so this won’t happen to us?” Those asking want to be able to keep bad things from happening. They want control – just like most of us do, too. Jesus then calls for repentance, urging them to turn away from the drive for moral righteousness and need for control and turn towards God. Neither good things or bad can be taken as proof of God; only God’s presence with us through good and bad. He follows up with a parable about a fig tree, which reminds us that God continues to wait, continues to tend, continues to bear with us, all the while encouraging us to turn from our desire for control, order, and security and live into the potential we have to love each other.
Moment of Silent Reflection
Spend one full minute in silence as you consider the scripture and reflection.
Turn to Wonder
At least part of what’s going on in the question of verse 2 is an age-old question: “Did they die because of their own fault?” It might be a question we too have contemplated. It would certainly make life simpler if we could clearly know the cause of every effect. What tragedy or difficult circumstances have you struggled to comprehend?
What is your understanding of the word “repent”?1
Why do you think Jesus repeats verse 3 in verse 5? How might repentance lead to a life of abundance?
Read Isaiah 5:1-7. There are numerous times in the Old Testament, as in this Isaiah passage, where the people of Israel are compared to a vineyard. How is there both a threat and a promise in this parable?2
How does the parable relate to the previous story?
What might it look like to be a “fruitful” Christian where you live?
Closing
Close your time together in a manner that is typical for you. Consider sharing joys and prayer concerns, then close in prayer.
Dear God,
We regularly fall short of your desire and intentions.
Invite us, therefore, to turn in repentance, sorrow, and gratitude
that we may use the time you have given us to love others
as you have loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
1This question can have many answers based on personal experiences and tradition. The basic concept is for a person to recognize and turn away from the things that separate him/her from God.
2There is a threat that judgment will occur for the unfruitful; there is a promise that there will be mercy and not hasty judgment.