Luke 13
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'
Jesus knows our hearts and He knows our ways of thinking - He knows us and our mindsets. Pilate had committed atrocities against God and a group of Galileans (atrocities were almost habitual for this Roman bureaucrat!!) - Pilate has apparently defiled the Temple sacrifice with human blood. Some present with Jesus were speaking or thinking of this horror as if perhaps the victims had deserved this "judgement" - perhaps they were "worse sinners"? - perhaps they were stained by the acts committed with their blood? Jesus wants none of this - sin is sin - there is no parsing of better or lesser sins. Jesus turns the rhetoric around - what of victims of accidents or illness? Do you think that they are worse offenders than you? Jesus is clearly saying look at yourself; look to your own sins, look to your own planks in your own eyes before you speculate and gossip and condemn others! God will judge - you have other matters (like your own sin) to attend to. God knows our hearts and there is enough sin in us to keep us plenty busy without speculating about others.
That said, it seems the victims of Pilate and the tower of Siloam died unrepentant. I wonder if we should read Jesus' words not as bold proclamations but rather as regret and grieving. God's beloved have perished separated from Him - there is only loss and sadness here. Jesus warns us to take care so that we do not perish in the same condition.We do not know the hour when we will be called before God to give account of ourselves - Jesus wants us to be ready; Jesus wants us to repent and return to God.
In the parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Jesus' lament broadens from grieving for individuals to concern for Israel. Jesus reiterates a well known Biblical theme: the consequences of disobedience are devastating. The Jews, Israel, the covenant people stand separated from their God. Jews of that era understood the fig as prosperity and would hear reference to the fig tree as reference to themselves. The Word of God (Jesus) is given to Israel to bring redemption, salvation and life - the Word is given that Israel might bear fruit. In Jesus Israel might yet bear fruit and thrive. But Jesus warns, if the fig tree bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, it will be cut down.
Again today we are called to reflect. God has given the Word to us. Am I bearing the fruit God has commissioned me to produce? We ask again today, is my family bearing God's fruit? My congregation? My City? My country? Again today God holds up a mirror before us, He speaks plainly. "For years I have come looking for fruit and still I find none. Why?" It is clear that God gives us the freedom to choose Him or rebuke Him; He gives us the freedom to choose to work with Him or against Him. Again today God asks us, is it yes or is it no?
In the reading from Isaiah 55 God pleads for His people and each of us to come to Him, to know Him. Again today God asks us, is it yes or is it no?
Jesus knows our hearts and He knows our ways of thinking - He knows us and our mindsets. Pilate had committed atrocities against God and a group of Galileans (atrocities were almost habitual for this Roman bureaucrat!!) - Pilate has apparently defiled the Temple sacrifice with human blood. Some present with Jesus were speaking or thinking of this horror as if perhaps the victims had deserved this "judgement" - perhaps they were "worse sinners"? - perhaps they were stained by the acts committed with their blood? Jesus wants none of this - sin is sin - there is no parsing of better or lesser sins. Jesus turns the rhetoric around - what of victims of accidents or illness? Do you think that they are worse offenders than you? Jesus is clearly saying look at yourself; look to your own sins, look to your own planks in your own eyes before you speculate and gossip and condemn others! God will judge - you have other matters (like your own sin) to attend to. God knows our hearts and there is enough sin in us to keep us plenty busy without speculating about others.
That said, it seems the victims of Pilate and the tower of Siloam died unrepentant. I wonder if we should read Jesus' words not as bold proclamations but rather as regret and grieving. God's beloved have perished separated from Him - there is only loss and sadness here. Jesus warns us to take care so that we do not perish in the same condition.We do not know the hour when we will be called before God to give account of ourselves - Jesus wants us to be ready; Jesus wants us to repent and return to God.
In the parable of the Barren Fig Tree, Jesus' lament broadens from grieving for individuals to concern for Israel. Jesus reiterates a well known Biblical theme: the consequences of disobedience are devastating. The Jews, Israel, the covenant people stand separated from their God. Jews of that era understood the fig as prosperity and would hear reference to the fig tree as reference to themselves. The Word of God (Jesus) is given to Israel to bring redemption, salvation and life - the Word is given that Israel might bear fruit. In Jesus Israel might yet bear fruit and thrive. But Jesus warns, if the fig tree bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, it will be cut down.
Again today we are called to reflect. God has given the Word to us. Am I bearing the fruit God has commissioned me to produce? We ask again today, is my family bearing God's fruit? My congregation? My City? My country? Again today God holds up a mirror before us, He speaks plainly. "For years I have come looking for fruit and still I find none. Why?" It is clear that God gives us the freedom to choose Him or rebuke Him; He gives us the freedom to choose to work with Him or against Him. Again today God asks us, is it yes or is it no?
In the reading from Isaiah 55 God pleads for His people and each of us to come to Him, to know Him. Again today God asks us, is it yes or is it no?
"Remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent."
For You have been my help,
And in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy.
My soul clings to You;
Your right hand upholds me.
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