Why Do Bad things Happen to Good People?                                                        (Read Luke 7:11-29)

“Well”, said Dad as the family sat down around the lunch table, “What did you learn at church today?” “The preacher told us about John the Baptist being in prison”, Bobby said munching his lettuce and ham. “Yes, and it was all because he told the king he shouldn’t be doing wrong things”, said Sarah, “Everyone knew about it so I don’t see why John should have been put in prison.” “That’s right”, said Bobby, “Why DO bad things happen to good people anyway? Can’t God stop them happening?””.

“What do you think Uncle Jeff?” Sarah said, turning to him. “Well, it’s like this”, Uncle Jeff said, “John was given a special job to do by God….can you remember what it was?” “I remember”, Betty piped up, “Our teacher told us about John. It was his job to tell people that Jesus was coming wasn’t it?” “That’s right” said Uncle Jeff, “And now that job was finished. Jesus was there, going around teaching the people and doing miracles for them, and they could see and hear Him for themselves”. “I know that”, Bobby said, “But it still doesn’t seem fair for John to be put in prison”. “John was a strong man”, Dad said, “And God knew He could depend on him, even in prison”. “Yes, but he did wonder what had gone wrong”, Sarah said thoughtfully, “Because he sent that message to Jesus asking if he had been mistaken.”

“Can you remember what happened to the messengers then?” Uncle Jeff asked. “Yes, Jesus didn’t answer them straight away. Instead He took them with Him while He was healing the sick people, and making blind people see and deaf people hear. And all the time He was preaching to people around Him”, said Bobby. “Then He told them to go back to John and tell him what they had seen Him doing. He specially said to not be offended by Jesus because he was in prison…he wasn’t to blame God for what had happened”, said Sarah. “I DID notice one thing though”, she carried on, “Jesus didn’t growl at him for wondering these things.” “No, that’s right” Dad said, “What do you think that shows us about Jesus?” “How understanding He is”, Sarah said. “Yes, and then He went on to tell the people what a great man John was and how strong he was for God”, Bobby said. “I heard that too”, said Betty, “John did what God told him to”. “That’s right Betty”, said Uncle Jeff, “Jesus told the people that John had been a special announcer telling people that God’s Messenger was right there with them. John was a tough man, one who wouldn’t change his mind, and he never did. But he DID want to make sure he was right. Once his friends returned and told him what Jesus had been doing, he knew for sure that Jesus was the real Messiah”.

“Yes,” said Bobby, “But you still haven’t said why God allowed all this to happen and then didn’t the king chop his head off in the end?” “Well, like I said before, John’s job was done. He had done all that God asked him to do, and now God was ready to take him to be with Him. We can’t argue with God….when it is His time to take us, it will happen. John was obedient to what God had asked him to do and we must be the same, and then we will be ready to meet Him, no matter when”. “Mmmm”, said Bobby thoughtfully, “That’s a hard ask.” “It sure is”, agreed Sarah, “But after all God has the last say for all of us doesn’t He?” “I want to be ready”, said Betty as she reached for a piece of apple pie. “Now, now”, said Mum, “That’s the second piece you’ve had Betty!” Betty quickly began to eat it. “I guess that life isn’t always about being fair”, Sarah said thoughtfully. “That’s right”, said Dad, “That is what makes us strong Christians and better for God rather than being bitter against Him. Big  winds make plants grow stronger. Without that they stay soft and weak”. “I don’t want to be soft and weak”, Betty said.

 Mum looked across at Dad and smiled. She knew how little anyone knows about what lies ahead in life’s journey, and how we all have to be ready. for whatever comes our way!