Luke 13:1-9–Repent before it is too late. Judgment is delayed to allow time for repentance. The parable of the fig tree emphasizes God’s forbearance and patience in waiting for repentance. The emphasis is on the plea of the vinedresser to give the tree more time to produce before its destruction.
Suffering and tragedy do not necessarily follow sin. A natural catastrophe like the tower of Siloam and man’s violence like Pilate’s massacre of those in the acts of worship do not imply that the victims were special sinners deserving this fate. All need to repent. Whether or not they are victims of disaster, all are guilty of sin. Thus, unless all repent, they will perish like the victims of the tower and the massacre.
Jesus warns both the Galileans and the Judeans that the only way they can avoid judgment is to repent. He tells the parable of the fig tree which strengthens Jesus’ statement about the imminent coming of the judgment.
Repentance is definitely the theme of the lesson. This theme is supported by two important points.
V.1 “At that very time” refers to the preceding passage in Luke 12 where Jesus urges the multitude to repent by reading right the signs of the times and by making things right before appearing before the judge.
By the parable in Vv. 6-9 The parable of the fig tree emphasizes God’s forbearance and patience in waiting for repentance. The emphasis is on the plea of the vine dressed to give the tree more time to produce before its destruction.
Repentance is the way of escape from perishing. This implies that there is forgiveness from a loving Father for those who repent.
The urgency of repentance is brought out by the parable. The fig tree was given one more year to produce and then the end if it did not produce the fruit of repentance.
The patience of God in giving sinners one more chance. A little more time to repent. Behind this patience is a God of love who does not desire the death of any one person. “God so love the world…that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
A prayer for Home and Family – Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
[1] Collect for Home and Family; A Morning Prayer; Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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