AUGUST 27^th

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.

     In verse 2 above, Jesus elevated the situation to a much higher spiritual level by answering with a question. Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? He continued, "Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." Jesus then added another gruesome scene of the enemy by reminding them, 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? Again He answered His own question again with His identical response to the first question, "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

     The tower of Siloam provides insight and it is clear to see why Jesus mentioned it at this point. Siloam means sent. One would see the affront of darkness broaden when reflecting on Jesus’ Words in John’s Gospel Chapter Five. "And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape. And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not (John 5:37-38)." Hebrews 3:1 calls Jesus the Apostle and High Priest of our profession. An apostle is one who is sent.

Continued