Lucas 13

Lucas 13

Calvin has a very helpful discussion of this process in the Institutes, 3:3:8-20). Conclusion - There is one other aspect of the parable that I have not mentioned: the role of the vineyard-keeper, who appeals to the owner to give him time to dig around the tree and fertilize it, in the hopes that it will yet bear fruit the next year. “If not,” he says, “cut it down.” This is a beautiful picture of God’s patience and mercy in Christ. As 2 Peter 3:9 tells us, “The Lord ... is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” The fact that a tragedy similar to the recent ones in Colorado and Oklahoma has not hit you should show you God’s great patience. If you have not repented of your sins and if you’re not bearing fruit in God’s vineyard, there is still time. But, don’t mistake God’s patience to mean that His axe will never fall. His patience does have a limit. Death and the final judgment could hit you at any moment. Your need to respond to God’s offer of repentance and pardon is urgent! Life is fragile; none are exempt from tragedies. But, if you have fled to Christ for refuge and you’re bringing forth the fruits of repentance in your life, you are ready if tragedy strikes. You will not perish! (What We Should Learn From Tragedies) Keathley summarizes the principles of the Parable of the Fig Tree Times of suffering are sovereignly allowed by God to bring purpose and truth to light. The place of privilege is the place of responsibility (Isa 5:) Responsibility brings accountability. God’s gracious delay of judgment is designed to prompt repentance. (2Pe 3, 2Co 7:8-10) The repentance is the change of mind that turns from dead works to faith in God. (The Fig Tree) Mattoon - Like flaming arrows from a Roman garrison, scorners may hurl their doubt and derision about the deity of Christ, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Liberal politicians may use legislation to erase Jesus from our society like a little boy that smooths the sand on the beach to cover his footprints, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Followers of Confucius, Buddha, or Muhammad have wrongly put their gods on the throne that only belongs to Christ, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. Tyrants have burned Bibles or buried them in ware houses, they have martyred courageous Christians by drowning, burning, boiling, cutting, hanging, or feeding them to wild beasts, but one day, one day, one day... every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. If you have not put your faith in Christ, why not do it today? (Read 2 Cor 6:2, cf James 4:14) (Treasures from Luke) Luke 13:10 And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. KJV Luke 13:10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. Lk 4:15,16,44 Luke 13 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Luke 13:10-17 Religion Versus Reality - Steven Cole Luke 13:10-17 Christ Creates Conflict in the Synagogue - John MacArthur STRAIGHTENED ON THE SABBATH