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PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE – NOT ME!
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Luke 13:1-9

Memory verse: Luke 13:2-3

 

“…but, except ye repent,

ye shall all likewise perish.”

 

PARABLE OF THE FIG TREE – NOT ME!
 
When disasters happen to others, we think we are fine because the disaster did not happen to us. Outward condemnation of others is common in all societies throughout the ages. The heart of the problem is the seed of self-righteousness. Self is understood to be better than others, especially in the face of calamities that happen to others.
 
But the Lord knew better. He read their sinful hearts. Luke 13:2-3: “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.” These Galileans who died were probably followers of Judas of Galilee, who taught his followers not to pay taxes (cf. Acts 5:37). Pilate’s duty was to collect taxes on behalf of Caesar. Pilate’s jurisdiction was Judea and not the Galilee region, which belonged to King Herod. But Judas’ teaching probably impacted his jurisdiction, and he killed them and mingled their blood with the sacrifices these Galileans offered. The ones who related this account to Jesus believed the Galileans had to be terrible sinners to suffer such a shameful fate. Jesus warned them to stop this censorious judgment, judge their own hearts, and repent. If they do not judge themselves and repent, they would perish like these Galileans.
 
Jesus cited another example of the tower of Siloam that collapsed, and eighteen people died in the accident. Jesus warned them not to think they were the worst of sinners who lived in Jerusalem because they died so horribly.
 
Whenever we come across any news of deaths, it is incumbent on all of us to look within our own souls to see if it were me, where would I end up? Would I end up in hell or heaven? Presumptuous sin is a deadly delusion whereby many who thought they would be in heaven when they die, to their horror, were cast into hell with no escape. Do not think “not me”, but think “what if it were me?” Presumption of salvation is the fruit of self-righteousness, a deadly sin.
 
THOUGHT: What if it were me who died?
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may I examine my own heart regularly to make sure I am in Christ, in Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

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