1 At that time some people were there who told Jesus about the Galileans whom Pilate had killed while they were offering sacrifices to God. 2 Jesus answered them, “Because those Galileans were killed in that way, do you think it proves that they were worse sinners than all the other Galileans? 3 No indeed! And I tell you that if you do not turn from your sins, you will all die as they did. 4 What about those 18 people in Siloam who were killed when the tower fell on them? Do you suppose this proves that they were worse than all the other people living in Jerusalem? 5 No indeed! And I tell you that if you do not turn from your sins, you will all die as they did.” 6 Then Jesus told them this parable: “There was once a man who had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. He went looking for figs on it but found none. 7 So he said to his gardener, ‘Look, for three years I have been coming here looking for figs on this fig tree, and I haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it go on using up the soil?’ 8 But the gardener answered, ‘Leave it alone, sir, just one more year; I will dig round it and put in some manure. 9 Then if the tree bears figs next year, so much the better; if not, then you can have it cut down.’ ”
Luke reveals Jesus using current events to teach important lessons. The two events are quite different; one was political, the other an accident, but in both cases many people died. In the first event, Pilate shockingly had some Galileans murdered even while they were offering their sacrifices to God. Their lives were suddenly cut short at the very time they performed the most sacred of religious acts in the holiest place, the Temple.
We don’t know why Pilate chose to have people killed in the Temple. People thought that these Galileans must have been really bad to be killed in this way. They speculated that God took no pleasure in their sacrifices and so allowed this sacrilege to occur.Then Jesus considers a second event, this time a complete accident, when a tower collapsed, killing 18 people.
Jesus makes it clear that in both cases the people who died were no worse than his listeners or anyone else. He insists we must all repent and turn away from our sins otherwise we will be judged and punished by God.
Jesus develops his teaching by telling a parable about a fig-less fig tree. The tree has not produced any figs for three years and is in danger of being cut down. The gardener asks for one more year so he can give it special attention to help it produce fruit. But if the tree remained barren after all the extra care it would be removed.
Jesus warns his listeners not to be like the fig tree. Changed lives bear kingdom fruit, and his teaching was an opportunity for them to consider their lives, repent and turn to God.
MEDITATIO
What does this passage have to say about thinking we are better than others? Whose standard is the one that counts? Do you see any link between Jesus and the gardener who begged for the chance to care for the fig tree and save it from being destroyed? What do you think the figs might represent in this parable?Consider what the passage tells us about God’s character – his patience, mercy and holiness.
ORATIO
Use the verses from Psalm 103 for a time of fellowship and prayer with God. Remember His love, mercy and kindness. Worship Him for His holiness. Thank Him that he forgives our sins – even though we don’t deserve it.
CONTEMPLATIO
Jesus’s death on the Cross opened a door into God’s presence (Hebrews 4:14-16). Now we can come before God’s throne at any time. Sit or kneel in God’s presence for a while and consider His pure holiness.
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