Repent or Perish – Luke: 1 – 9
Jesus has said that he will return to judge humankind at an unexpected time. Those who know of Christ’s coming and use wisely what God gives will be rewarded with God’s abundance. Those who know but do not prepare will be condemned. Those who do not know and behave wantonly will be lightly reprimanded. (12:35-48). It was commonly believed that pain and premature death were signs of God’s adverse judgment. Now we read of two events where people died prematurely and unexpectedly: one group (“the Galileans”, v. 1) doing God’s will, killed intentionally as they sacrifice to him in the Temple; the other group (“those eighteen”, v. 4, possibly construction workers) killed accidentally. In both cases, Jesus says, there is no link between early death and sin; however, these deaths do show the fate of those who fail to “repent” (vv. 3,5), to turn to God.
In the parable (vv.6-9), Jesus elaborates on his call for repentance. (The fig tree symbolizes some Jews, possibly the religious leaders.) Jesus expects those who hear him to bear fruit (v.9), to do his will. If they do not do so immediately, God in his mercy gives them some extra time (“one more year”, v.8) to do so. If they still fail to do so, they will be destroyed. In Matthew 3:10, Jesus speaks of such a tree being “cut down and thrown into the fire”. so the perishing (vv. 3,5) is spiritual, at the end of the age.
© 1996-2025 Chris Haslam
Prayer of the Day
O God, the fountain of life, to a humanity parched with thirst you offer the living water that springs from the Rock, our Saviour Jesus Christ: stir up within your people the gift of your Spirit, that we may profess our faith with freshness and announce with joy the wonder of your love. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.