Luke 13:1-9  Here, Jesus addresses a situation that we all have questions about.  Why do bad things happen?  A group of Galileans were killed and Pilate was responsible. There had also been a bad accident where a tower fell and eighteen people were killed in Siloam.  Were the people who told Jesus about this concerned?  Or were the hoping that Jesus would take revenge on Pilate? Were those people deserving of such awful deaths?

Jesus says, "Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered this fate? I tell you, no, but unless you repent you will all likewise perish."  He says the same thing about the group in Siloam. He refocuses their attention from the injustice and awfulness of violent death- to the reality that we must be ready to face death by repenting from our sins.  Yes, there are violent and unjust deaths, and there are accidental tragic deaths... but ultimately we all die and what is vital is that we are ready to face judgement when the time comes. 

Jesus tells another parable.  A man plants a fig tree in his vineyard.  When he comes looking for fruit on it, he finds none.  Three years of waiting for fruit - and nothing, so he tells the keeper to cut it down.  The man asks that the owner give it one more year, to fertilize and care for it.  A last chance before it is cut down.  The gardener knows what is needed to make the tree fruitful.

A fruitless tree or a tree that bears bad fruit is useless to the Lord.  Matthew 7:19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."  And, Matthew 3:10 " And the axe is already laid at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire."  Jesus makes it clear that fruit matters on a fruit tree!  "Therefore bring forth fruit in keeping with repentance"  John preached.  Jesus agreed with this.  In Matthew 21 we read about the fig tree that withered after Jesus found no fruit on it. The parable in Luke 13 emphasizes that true repentance produces fruit in our lives.  If there is no fruit then there has not been repentance.  And if there is no repentance there will be a time of judgement when we are cut down and thrown into the fire.

We see this same situation in today's world. Unbelievers make the same arguments in order to avoid the truth - that they are sinners who need to repent and give up their sinful ways. "Why should we believe in a God Who allows bad things to happen?"  they argue.   Here is the answer - because a life without true repentance,  a life that bears no good fruit;  is a life that will face judgement and be thrown into the fire.  We do not know if another year will be given or if we have used up our chances to repent.  The Galileans and the men in Siloam did not know that they would die the way they did or at the times that they did.  We do not know either.  We must repent now.  Be ready now.

Father, You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.  That You should send Your Son to die in our place, to pay the penalty for our sins, is proof of Your Greatness and Love. Thank You!  Father,  You are the gardener in our lives.  Oh may our lives bear good fruit in keeping with true repentance .  Lord, we yield to Your pruning away of all dead works and unbelief.  We trust You to do all that You need to do, so that we may be fruitful and useful in Your kingdom.  Help us, Lord, to hear and to obey Your Word today.  In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.