Lesson 4396

 (Lesson 4396)(02-14-24) Luke 13:1-9 

“There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 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? I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. 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. 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? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” 

 

Today’s quote began with the people informing Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices, an event that highlighted the tragedies of the time. Jesus refuted the idea that such sufferings were caused by the victims' sins. He illustrated that with the parable of a barren fig tree in a vineyard, being given one last chance to bear fruit after the owner sought to cut it down for wasting soil. This lesson underscores God’s divine mercy, a call to repentance, and lays out the consequences of unfruitfulness.~