Luke 13:1-9
Now on the same occasion…” (1a) This ties the prior context of Jesus talk about judgement to this
discussion of Galileans murdered by Pilate. They equated tragedy to God’s judgment. “And Jesus said
to them, ‘Do you suppose that these Galileans were greater sinners than all other Galileans because
they suffered this fate? (2) Often we see tragedy as an act of God and our lack of tragedy as God’s
approval. But Jesus said, “I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (3). In the
following parable of the fruitless fig tree, the vineyard-keeper begs the land owner not to cut down the
fruitless fig tree allowing him to work on it for one more year to bear fruit. Lack of God’s judgment in our
lives is not God’s approval, but God’s mercy so we can repent and become fruitful.