Day 66

Luke 13:1–9 (NIV)

¹ Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. ² Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? ³ I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. ⁴ Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? ⁵ I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

⁶ Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. ⁷ So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ ⁸ “ ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. ⁹ If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ”

Pray for God to show you something to use from the passage

Read the Passage

Who is in the passage?

What action verbs do you see?

What other words stick out in your mind

Questions

Do things happen to people in this life because of what they have done? What do Jesus’ words say about that thought? Do His words discount bad things happening in this world because of what we have done? When is true justice completed?

What does this parable say about God’s mercy?

Notes

see Luke 3:9 (John the Baptist speaking)

vs 1-The Galileans were killed by Pilate while preparing offerings. While not told elsewhere this story is consistent with what we know of Pilate and his use of force. We are not told Pilates reasoning behind the killings.

vs 1-5 Are these Galileans receiving the punishment of God Jesus described in the last section. Is that why they were killed? Jesus very clear NO! They were no more guilty than other Galileans (interesting Jesus from this region) Point -You are all (notice how many times Jesus uses all) on death row so to speak. Everyone is guilty and needs to repent (What does repent mean- going one way then changing directions and going a new way)

Jesus doing away with the idea that every death or bad thing that happens to you means you are guiltier than the next person. Today applying it means that when a earthquake happens or bad storm that doesn't mean those experiencing the hardship are bigger sinners. I think of Rom 8:18-22. It is part of living in a fallen world. But Jesus' main point is without repenting we all deserve to perish!

Is it a possibility that someone is trying to get Jesus caught up in a publicly stated view against Pilate's decision? Thus getting Jesus in Trouble with the Roman Government?

vs 6-9 The reason they haven't been judge already is because of God's mercy described in parable. But time does run out so better repent now before too late. (12:58, 12:20)

Fig trees are supposed to provide figs. After three years figs should have appeared. But it hasn't. So it deserves to be destroyed so another can be put there. But the grace is leaving for another year.

The grace is also in doing everything for the tree to do what it should. i.e. God doesn't say forget you, or leave you alone till you self-destruct. God works to make you what you were intended to be. He provides what you need to produce a good relationship with Him. But it is still our choice.

vs 8 -The digging around it would loosen the soil so more water could get to the roots

While Jesus has complained about the wicked generation (11:26) and the hypocrites (12:56) that always want more signs and wonders from Jesus. It is interesting that God ultimately gives them more signs and proof for who Jesus is. Even to the point of death on a cross and resurrection from the dead! God has great patience with us. But Jesus' point is to take advantage of it while you can.