LUKE 13:1--9 [PARABLES IN LUKE]
REPENTANCE DEMANDED
[Deuteronomy 13:12-18 / Isaiah 1:15-19]
A mixture of thoughts and emotions swept over me when I heard that a plane had crashed near Pittsburgh, killing everyone aboard. I felt numb. So many people were suddenly ushered into eternity. I thought about the panic that swept over the passengers and crew as the plane hurtled downward. I wondered how many were ready to meet the Lord.
My heart went out to those who had loved ones or friends on that flight. Why did those people die? Not because they were any better or worse than the rest of us. Since all of us sin, none of us has a right to think we are too good to die this way. There is no room for self-righteous smugness. Nor is there room for bitter complaining. In our fallen world, death comes to all of us, one way or another, in God's own time.
This section teaches that disasters are a call to repentance. They should remind us of our need to confess our sins and turn to Jesus for salvation or to renew our commitment to Him.
Jesus here teaches us the urgency of repentance. He uses two examples of calamities that befell certain Jews to illustrate the fate that awaits those who do not repent. [This unit is unique to Luke’s Gospel but resembles the cursing of the fig tree in the Passion accounts (Mt 21:18–19; Mark 11:12–14).]
The point that we all need to repent is brought home in verses 3 and 5, with “unless you repent, you too will all perish.” Death is the common denominator for everyone. Only repentance can bring life to people (CIM). To illustrate His point Jesus taught in a parable that if fruit does not show in your life, you must repent.
I. POLITICAL TRAGEDY, 1-3.
II. NATURAL DISASTER, 4-5.
III. FRUITLESS LIVES, 6-7.
IV. SECOND CHANCES, 8-9.
At the same time as Jesus’ discourse recorded in chapter 12 was ending some people arrived from Jerusalem and in verse 1 tell Jesus about a tragic event that occurred at the temple. “Now on the same occasion there were some present who reported to Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.
For some unknown reason Pilate had executed a few Galileans (how many is unknown) while they were offering their sacrifices. [Luke gives the only account of this incident.] Since laymen were allowed to perform their own Passover sacrifices, this may very well have been the occasion. The report that Pilate had "mingled their blood with their sacrifices" is probably not literally the case, for such an action would have incited the populace to a possible insurrection. It probably meant that not only was the blood of the sacrificial animals shed, but the blood of the Galileans was as well, possible in or around the temple. Passover time was often a time of political unrest, a time when Jewish patriotic feelings ran high and Roman concerns were justifiably aroused. (Jesus was crucified under precisely such circumstances.) These Galileans were seemingly caught up in some sort of plot or activity deemed treasonable by Pilate. [Evans, Craig. New International Com. Luke. 1995. Hendrickson Publishers. Peabody, Mass. p. 204.]
These folk or reporters may have wanted Jesus to address religious rights or political limits. There is a more basic issue, a more important issue than political boundaries or religious rights that Jesus wants His audience to think about.
Whatever the circumstances, the death of these unfortunate pilgrims evokes the question that Jesus asks in verse 2. “And Jesus said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?
This question, coupled with verse 4, reflects a common notion among the Jews of Jesus’ day that physical affliction was caused by sin (see John 9:1-2). Did their murder prove that they were worse sinners than all the other Galileans? Jesus counters this point in the following verse.
There is a more basic issue involved than religious or political rights. Verse 3 calls people to repent if they are going to live. “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Their death did not prove that they were greater sinners. But their death should remind all who hear of it of the need to repent. Their deaths were not the result of some superabundance of sin or the judgment of God. On the contrary, they were making atonement at the time of their deaths.
Jesus uses this incident [and that of v. 4] of sudden and unexpected death as a teaching point about the necessity of repentance.
II. NATURAL DISASTER, 4-5.
In verse 4 Jesus brings up another incident that shows life’s frailty. “Or do you suppose that those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them were worse culprits than all the men who live in Jerusalem?”
Jesus cites a second event to make the same point. Rather than a political tragedy, His is a natural catastrophe. It is akin to a hurricane or tornado. The tower of Siloam had collapsed and killed eighteen people. [Bock, Darrell. The IVP NT Com. Luke. InterVarsity Press, Dover Grove, IL. p.239.] [Like the incident in v. 1, Luke’s is the only account of this incident. Siloam was located in the southeastern corner of Jerusalem, and the tower may have been an original structure from the city of David as described by the Jewish historian, Josephus. Siloam was also the name of a reservoir that was connected to Jerusalem with aqueducts (Isa. 8:6; Jn 9:7).] Their accidental death most certainly does not indicate that they were guiltier than all the others living in Jerusalem.
A husband and wife were KILLED when their car was struck by a drunk driver. Why did this happen? They were good people, active in their church, and dearly loved. They were in no way at fault, and we can't blame God for the other driver getting drunk.
Some people would blame the devil. Yet we must recognize the fact that an intoxicated driver who loses control of his car is likely to kill someone.
Jesus has referred to two tragedies that occurred in His day. In one, Pilate had killed some Galileans and the other, 18 Israelites died when a tower fell on them. The idea was that people who died like that must have been guilty of horrendous sins.
Jesus rejected that kind of thinking. He told His hearers that instead of trying to find someone to blame, they should see such events as a call to repentance. When we hear of inexplicable tragedies, let's be content to leave the “why” question unanswered. Assured of God's love (Rom. 8:39), let's look at these events as a time for self-examination and repentance. [Herb Vander Lugt. Our Daily Bread. Radio Bible Class]
From this tragic event Jesus draws the same lesson in verse 5. “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Jesus was asked about some people who were cruelly murdered, and 18 people who died when a tower collapsed on them. Instead of blaming others or pointing the finger Jesus says to them and us “I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” Life's tragedies are a call to reflect and repent. Disaster looms for the unresponsive. If they willfully rejected their Messiah and persisted in that sin, they face a fearful end.
Some Christians are quick to declare that a public disaster (such as a terrorist attack, an earthquake, or a flood) is the result of divine Judgment. In reality, a complex array of factors lie behind most disasters.
Instead of simply reading divine judgment into tragedies, we should see them as a call to personal repentance. This is especially true for unbelievers, but it is also true for Christians. Man-made and natural disasters should cause us to pray for those involved and ask God to make us all aware that sudden and unexpected death is a part of life. Then pray that the tragedy would cause all who hear of it to reflect upon death and grapple with whether or not they are ready to meet God (Amos 4:12).
Calamities in themselves are not good, but they can fulfill God's purposes when they serve as a wake-up call to believers, and when they bring unbelievers to repentance
and faith in Jesus. Let's not ask, "Who's to blame?" but "Lord, what are You saying to me?" [Herb Vander Lugt ] In alarming situations, listen for God's wake-up call.
III. FRUITLESS LIVES, 6-7.
If the lesson of the first five verses is repent and be saved, then the lesson of verses 6-9 is repent and be saved without delay. Since sudden death is a real possibility the sooner we repent and bear the fruit of repentance the better. In verse 6 Jesus begins telling a parable illustrate this spiritual and eternal reality. “And He told this parable: “A man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any.
The fig tree was a common symbol for representing the nation of Israel. So Jesus uses it in a parable to remind the Jews of a far greater tragedy than a political one and a far greater disaster than a natural one. The nation of Israel and the individuals who make it up have not born the fruit of repentance toward God nor brought forth spiritual fruit.
[The parable of the fig tree is the closest Luke comes to the story of the cursing of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14; Mt. 21:18-19), which he omits.]
Verse 7 depicts that this tree had received special interest from the vineyard owner. “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Behold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’
A fig tree requires three years to bear figs, but since this one did not produce, the owner said, cut it down.
Jesus ministered publicly for three years to a people who, by and large, would not respond or receive Him. His ministry could be regarded as the fig tree in this parable. Should He like the owner after finding no fruit upon it for three years, say “Cut it down. It’s doing nothing more than soaking up nutrients from the soil and taking up room in the garden.”
IV. SECOND CHANCES, 8-9.
In verse 8 the vineyard keeper intercedes to give the tree one last opportunity to bear fruit. “And he answered and said to him, ‘Let it alone, sir, for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer;
His vineyard keeper asked him to give it one more year. Perhaps extra care, more loosening of the soul, some additional fertilizer, some fresh nutrients, a little more time could do the trick.
The additional time and care suggests a period of grace. Cultivating and fertilizing the tree is a symbol of God’s mercy (Hos. 9:10; Isa. 5:1-7; Ezek. 17:22-24). Whereas the deaths in verses 1 and 4 were sudden and unexpected, Jesus’ call for repentance initiates a brief period for response prior to God’s judgment. He is giving another opportunity, another chance. There is still time to repent and bear fruit. So long as you are still hearing God’s call to repentance, you have opportunity [and power] to do so. But don’t turn away from the Spirit’s call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord.
Verse 9 gives the outcome for the tree if it still does not bear fruit. “and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’ ”
This parable illustrates the point made in verses 1-5 that judgment comes on those who do not repent. Jesus then took the thought one step further and noted that fruit must be present (Mt. 3:7-10; 7:15-21; Luke 8:15) as an evidence of true repentance. A visible change must be seen in the life of one who claims to trust the Messiah. If there is no visible change, no spiritual fruit, that person, like the figless fig tree, is judged. [Walvoord, John & Zuck, Roy. The Bible Knowledge Commentary : An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL : Victor Books, 1983, S. 240.]
IN CLOSING
The Parable of the Fig Tree illustrates that people will not always have an opportunity to repent and turn over a new leaf. When we hear reports concerning those who died (vv. 1-5) we should awaken to the realization of the nearness of judgment. The parable underscores reality that judgment will not be put off forever.
Jesus is telling both individuals and the nation that the clock is ticking. God is watching His vineyard. If it does not bear fruit, judgment will come. The same is true for each and every person. Judgment is near, unless repentance comes. Our only hope is God’s willingness to hold off deserved judgment. As 2 Peter 3:9 proclaims, “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
Repentance is not something you put on your list of things to do some day. Time is short. Today is the day of salvation (2 Cor. 5: ). You’re in the midst of a desperate struggle to save your soul. Repent now, so you don’t perish then. Don’t refuse to respond to yet another chance for the grace of God.
Faith in Christ, and faith alone, saves the sinner from hell and opens the door to forgiveness. But it must be accompanied by a change of heart about our sin and about God. We call this repentance. The two aspects of conversion, turning from evil (repentance) and turning to Christ (faith), are inseparable. Unless we are willing to renounce our sins, we are not ready for God's pardon.
Being dead in our sins, we must cast ourselves wholly on Christ to save us. This "casting" is both trusting and turning. That's why Jesus said, "Repent, and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). It’s never too soon to repent, but soon it may be too late.
INVITATION
Perhaps today you sense that Christ Himself is speaking just to you. He is inviting you to become His child, His follower, His disciple. I’m going to ask you to leave your seat and come down one of the aisles. Someone will meet you here and pray with you. Come now. Come willingly. Come courageously. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks; this is your time with Christ. He is calling you as an individual, calling you as a couple, calling you as a family. He died for you and rose again. His blood washes away your sins, and He can give you new life, if you’ll come. Come to Christ now, while there’s still time, while you still can. If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart.
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I turn from of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior and Lord. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now in the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior, and received forgiveness for all my sins through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God. So come forward and let us help make your relationship with God in Jesus Christ all that He would have it be. You come as we sing this hymn of reflection and response.
