Repent or Perish
Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 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? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 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?’
“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down. Luke 13: 1-9
This passage at first sight appears stark. But in fact, there is a hope - giving message here
I say stark because of the times we are in.
- FIRST
- we’re in the season of Lent
- a time of reflection
- of Self-discipline – however we do it
- of Self awareness - As we journey with our Lord we should grow in our gratitude at his amazing grace,
- but on a blue day the opposite can happen. We can have a sense of Self failure – and there then is the trap on demoralisation
- AND second
- Now in our society – the people we meet and care for – family, friends, our community - there is increasing anxiety and mistrust.
And Luke has placed this passage in a section of stark warnings from Jesus about the end times
I think when we are feeling vulnerable or unsure we can, consciously or unconsciously, compare ourselves to others – look on them and not ourselves
- Worse sinners?
- More guilty?
- Pilate was well known – maybe, if they were also Galileans travelling with Jesus, they were afraid
Jesus reads their minds and is quick to redirect their gaze
- No
- You are all in the same boat
- Repent or you too will perish
Perish? Does this refer to Hell, or an untimely, and maybe violent, death. Commentaries differ. But the passages destination gives the same message.
The parable is powerful and drives home the hope in this encounter. It is helpful to imagine that God is the vineyard owner, and Jesus is the servant gardener. The vineyard signifies Israel – God’s chosen people. Fig trees were often planted in vineyards. They were good for vines.
This parable is all about giving another chance. God the Father is becoming impatient with his fig tree, and its role helping his vineyard – his people. Where is the fruit… cut it down! The servant Gardner says “let’s give it one more chance. I will care for it. Nourish. See if it responds. Then, if there is still no fruit, cut it down”. It is as if the God of the OT meets the God of the NT.
So, to us… in application this can either either mean an individual, or a community.
The fruit of repentance, restoration to God, is manifest in the fruit of the spirit - love, joy peace, patience, goodness kindness faith self- control.
God is the God of fresh starts, relentlessly patient and caring
So, we hear:
- Repent
- Repent afresh
- If we are “stuck”. Maybe God is waiting for a move from us
- Keep it simple…. Avoid complex wonderings and comparisons…
- Turn to the Lord and be deeply attentive
And what does success look like? It does not say in this passage. We need to look elsewhere, at another time… for today, let’s say that success is change, not perfection.
And as we repent,
To bear fruit, Fruit of the Spirit, Which will in turn build hope
We can pray Romans 15:13.” God of hope, please fill us with all joy and peace as we trust in you, so that we overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit.”
This overflowing is mission – the spread of God’s kingdom. Let us be encouraged,
AMEN
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