Jesus demands repentance.

No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.

Luke 13:3

These are true words from Jesus, true to His mission as Savior, and true for us today. A brief summary of the context for repentance (the statement is made twice in a three verse section) helps us see the urgency Jesus is expressing. First, Jesus is speaking to a large crowd. This is all part of an extended sermon starting in Luke 12:1 and ending in Luke 13:9. So this call to repentance is setting up the conclusion and application to all Jesus has said thus far.

Secondly, a common theme of this sermon involves judgment, the last days, the return of the Son of Man, and persecution that will come to His people. It is clear that Jesus and His kingdom will meet worldwide opposition and only those who repent and believe in Him will escape at the Master’s return to judge (Luke 12:35-48).

The response to Jesus can only be acceptable if it involves true repentance (turning from sin, aware of His holiness and our unworthiness before Him that deserves judgment) and faith (complete assent to Jesus as Savior from sin, giver of new life, and Lord to be obeyed). This is the final appeal of the gospel even today. It isn’t a feel-good soft sell positive affirmation. It is a life or death passionate plea from the lips of Jesus Himself.