REPENT OR PERISH – THE PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE – LUKE 13:1-9 Our Heavenly Father, Creator of all things and Master Teacher, we humbly come into Your presence to seek Your Holy Spirit to open our eyes to these Holy Scriptures. We earnestly pray for enlightenment as we study together, and we ask You, Father, to open our eyes to see the truths contained in these words. Open our minds to comprehend that which we are reading, and open our hearts to receive the message that You have for us. Finally, dear Father, we ask for the strength and courage to live our lives in a manner of the called, constantly giving You the glory, honor, and praise that You deserve. We claim these things in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. Luke 13:1–5 There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. After listening to Him talk about preparing for eternity, those listening to Jesus asked, “What about the tragedy we’re seeing presently?” “I want you to understand something about tragedy,” Jesus answered. “Those Galileans were not sinners above others. Nor were those who died in Siloam. And unless you repent, you will perish as well.” This concept is so important. Whether you observe tragedy in the lives of others, or experience it yourself, the question is not, “Why did it happen?” Rather, the question is why it doesn’t happen more often. Because of our sin and continual rebellion, we deserve to be wiped out totally. It’s only because of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed entirely (Lamentations 3:22). There’s far too much muttering about that which didn’t work out in our lives when there should be a whole lot more marveling about how good God has been to sinners like us. Luke 13:6 (a) He spake also this parable; a certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard… The fig tree is a symbol representing the nation of Israel, so Jesus uses it in a parable to remind the Jews that they are no better than the Galileans or those living in Siloam. Luke 13:6 (b), 7 …and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? Even as Jesus ministered publicly for three years to a people who, by and large, would not respond or receive Him, so, too, regarding the fig tree in this parable, after finding no fruit upon it for three years, the owner says, “Cut it down. It’s doing nothing more than soaking up nutrients from the soil and taking up room in the garden.” Luke 13:8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it. Within the year, the vinedresser would do two things: First, he would dig around the roots. The Father, our Vinedresser (John 15:1), does the same with us as He gets to the root issues in our lives by exposing sin. Second, he would “dung”—or fertilize—it. After giving a list of his qualifications and accomplishments, Paul refers to them as dung, an appropriate name for the best the flesh is able to produce (Philippians 3:8). Luke 13:9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. After being cultivated for a year, did the fig tree go on to bear fruit? Jesus doesn’t say. Because the parable is open ended, because it must be applied personally, that question must be answered individually. What is fruit? Among other things, the Bible defines it as giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15), giving monetary gifts (Philippians 4:17), loving people (Galatians 5:22, 23), winning souls (Romans 1:13), doing works of righteousness (James 3:18). We exist for one reason: That the Lord might be satiated and satisfied by the fruit in our lives (Colossians 1:16). Does the Lord find fruit on the tree of your life—or does He walk away empty-handed each time He passes by? The way to bear fruit for the Lord’s pleasure is to allow Him to “dig and dung,” to expose sin and dispel self. How does this happen practically? By beginning each day and every project saying, “Lord, I need You. I can’t do this. My own ability and my own personality are dung. My heart is riddled with sin. Oh, I can produce leaves to impress people—but not fruit to satisfy You. It is only by Your mercy and grace that I will have anything of substance or pleasure to offer You.” Repent today, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Have a blessed day!
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 13:29:15 +0000
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