1There were some present at that very time who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus? 3I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Silo'am fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." 6And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7And he said to the vinedresser, `Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?' 8And he answered him, `Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. 9And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'"
The passage suggests that God is patient and merciful, giving us time to repent but that time is not unlimited. Jesus is the gardner interceding on our behalf and in effect, buying us time. The passage also suggests that repentance is not just avoiding sin—it’s bearing fruit. God doesn’t just want us to stop doing wrong; He wants us to live a life of love, mercy, and righteousness. Love is sacrificing our wants and needs for the benefit of others. It is elevating others using our gifts. Mercy is forgiveness. “And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”. God’s forgiveness of us is proportional to our forgiveness of others. Righteousness is a commitment to live by God’s laws and to supress our desires. The fruits of righteousness come only with following God’s path for us. Loving Father, thank you for granting me the fruits of righteousness. You have shown me how commitment to your path bears fruit in my life. Grant me the strength and courage to continue a journey of faith towards your will for me. Thank you for the peace you have bestowed upon me. Amen.
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