Luke 13:1-9

Pilate's massacre of the Galileans was brought to Jesus' attention presumably in the hope that he would be incensed at this outrage and take sides with the nationalists against the hated Romans. Refusing to choose sides, Jesus talks instead about the necessity of repentance. His reference to another calamity in Jerusalem emphasizes that, while certain punishments may result from particular sins, every untoward incident should not occasion a why on our part. We do not always know God's purposes. All misery is the result of sin, but the circumstance that one individual has a heavier load than another is a part of God's unfathomable ways. The question we ought to be asking is: What does a particular tragic occurrence impel us to do? The necessity of repentance is firmly established by the parable. Vineyard: God's order of salvation. Fig tree: Israel. Owner: God. Vine dresser: Jesus. Three years: era of grace granted Isreal then and us now.

The central thought of the text is the urgency of repentance. The goal of the sermon is that the hearers would make their lives a daily repentance. The problem is that Christians become careless about producing the fruits of repentance—confessing their sins, relying on mercy, and doing good deeds. Yet the Lord in his grace gives us time to repent.

Introductory thought: God gives us time for living. How we utilize it is of crucial importance for the present and the future. That is why we need to take to heart Christ's words:

"LET IT ALONE THIS YEAR ALSO."

These words tell us that God's patience will end.

God's patience ended for Israel.

The vine dresser does not ask that the tree would never be cut down.

The request is only for an extension of time.

Despite the extension of time, Israel repudiated God's love-resembled the tree by the road- side (Mt. 21:9).

Unrepentant Jerusalem was destroyed and them people dispersed (vs3, 5, 7b, 9b; Lk 19:41-44).

God's patience with the unrepentant ends also today.

Cannot sin with impunity, excusing our failures.

Are we playing with Christianity? Saying, "Lord," but our hearts are far from Him? Substituting ritual for repentance? "Let it alone this year also." A warning for us. We are in a probationary period. God's patience has an end. "Cut it down.”

These words also tell us that God deeply desires our repentance.

God gives opportunities to repent.

He gave Israel opportunities not only throughout the Old Testament period (vs 6, 7a), but especially during the ministry of Jesus and the apostles (v8a).

He gives us opportunities.

He has planted us in His church.

We have unrestricted access to His Word in printed form and through the media, also in the Sacraments of baptism and holy communion, and through fellowship with other Christians.

God himself makes repentance possible (v 8b).

With the Law He "digs" -laying bare our sin.

With the Gospel He "fertilizes"-strengthening our grasp on Jesus and producing the fruit of good deeds.

Our life becomes a daily repentance in which we confess our sin, trust in His mercy, and bear the fruit of good works.

"Let it alone this year also." What a comfort! God grants us time, for He deeply desires our repentance. Concluding Thought: Now is the accepted time (Heb 3:7-8). Bring forth fruit (Mt 3:8). God will make you like a tree (Ps 113).