AUGUST 26th
THE BARREN FIG TREE (Continued)
Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1–9
1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?
5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Pilate’s name means man with a spear. He ordered the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. It should be evident by now that there was something so much more sinister behind Pilate. Maybe the meaning of his name draws the reader’s attention to events surrounding the Crucifixion. For instance, the soldier who pierced Jesus’ side. In Christ, believers are always placed on such high ground. This piercing allowed the Witness of the Record to be seen in the earth. 1 John 5:7-8 tells us that the Spirit, water, and Blood witness incorruptible things in the earth. The Spirit gives the Life, the water, as in the days of Noah, speaks to righteous judgment; and the Blood speaks to Life and righteousness. These three agree in one. The Record in heaven includes the Father, The Word and Holy Ghost, and They are one. So then, Pilate was an instrument of darkness who like King Saul against David, was the force behind a thrown spear or javelin that was totally ineffective against the New Order.
Pilate mingled the blood of the Galilaeans with the sacrifice. His action was a definite affront of the kingdom of darkness to Christ Jesus, the true Sacrifice. Jesus said, "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me (John 12:32)." His death became our death and His Life is ours as well. While the adversary was trying to kill the Lord of Life, the Lord was "blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross (Colossians 2:14)." Further, Jesus rose from the dead with all power. The mingling of blood which speaks to life was on a higher spiritual plane altogether.
Continued
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