What would Jesus say about the coronavirus?

Imagine if Jesus was interviewed today about the deaths of so many innocent people. What would he say? Or perhaps a better question is, “What did he say?”

On one occasion Jesus was asked to comment on the news that Pilate had massacred Galileans while they were offering sacrifices at the Temple in Jerusalem (Luke 13:1-5). Jesus was clear, these men were no worse sinners than other Galileans.

The guilty don’t necessarily die young. Death comes to us all.

Then Jesus reminded his audience of the eighteen people who died when a tower in Siloam collapsed on them.

He said, “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.”

Untimely deaths remind us of our mortality and the judgment of God. Unless we turn back to God we’ll suffer a far worse fate than a violent death. Jesus assumed we are all sinners who need God’s forgiveness. That’s why he came, that’s why he died. We all must turn and put our faith in him.

We all know you can’t say that today, people might get upset. They got upset with Jesus when he told them the truth about death and suffering and the final judgment. He refused to remain silent.