Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 5:1-7

“Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes. And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge between me and my vineyard. What more was there to do for my vineyard, that I have not done in it? When I looked for it to yield grapes, why did it yield wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will remove its hedge, and it shall be devoured; I will break down its wall, and it shall be trampled down. I will make it a waste; it shall not be pruned or hoed, and briers and thorns shall grow up; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry!” (Isaiah 5:1–7, ESV)

New Testament Reading: Luke 13:1-9 

“There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’ And he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’’” (Luke 13:1–9, ESV)

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Please excuse any typos and misspellings within this manuscript. It has been published online for the benefit of the saints of Emmaus Reformed Baptist Church but without the benefit of proofreading.

Introduction

In the introduction to the previous sermon, I reminded you of the setting in which Jesus delivered the teachings found in Luke 12:1-13:9, and I wish to remind you of the setting again. We must remember that a very large crowd had assembled around Jesus. Many in the crowd were followers of his – the twelve, the seventy, and others – but many were not. In fact, there were some in the crowd who were very hostile towards Jesus – the Scribes, Lawyers, and Pharisees. So, this multitude was mixed. 

At the beginning of Luke 12, we are told that Jesus spoke to his disciples and delivered teachings to them to encourage them in the faith and to further their growth in holiness. He warned his disciples concerning sins of the heart. Isn’t it interesting to think that as Jesus spoke to his disciples, the unbelieving multitudes listened in? The teaching was not aimed at them, but they could learn and benefit from what was said by Christ to the disciples.  

It was in Luke 12:54 that Christ turned his attention to those who were unbelieving (and even hostile) in the crowd. It is no surprise that Jesus addressed the unbeliever differently. Christ did not seek to strengthen their faith (for they had none) nor did he seek to further their sanctification (for that process was not at work within them). Instead, he urged the unbelieving crowds to repent and believe upon him, recognizing him to be the Lord’s Messiah. As Christ addressed the unbelievers in the crowd, his disciples listened in. Again I say, that although the teaching was not aimed at them, they learned and benefitted from what was said by Christ to the crowd. 

This reminds me somewhat of the church and of the job of a minister of the Word of God. The job of a minister is to preach and teach the Word of God to the believer, to remind them of the precious truths of the gospel, to encourage them in their faith, and to exhort them to progress in their sanctification. But the minister of the Word – the pastor – must never forget the non-believers who assemble with the congregation each Lord’s Day. Think of the children in the congregation who have not yet turned from their sins to believe upon Christ. Think of the visitors in our midst. Think of those who have attended church for many years and consider themselves to be Christians, who have not yet understood the gospel, and turned from their sins to place their faith in Christ truly. The minister of the Word must always be mindful of the fact that the multitude to whom he preaches, however large or small, is likely mixed. The minister’s task will always be to edify the Saints with the Word of God and to call sinners to repentence and faith in Jesus Christ through the preaching of God’s law and God’s gospel. 

As I have said, in Luke 12:54-13:9, Christ has his sights set on the unbelievers in the crowd. Generally speaking, he confronts them concerning their errors and sins and calls them to repentance. This he does in four stages. First, he exhorts them to properly interpret the times. Secondly, he urges them to settle their debts with their accuser (to get right with God). Thirdly, he commands them to repent lest they perish. And fourthly, he warns them that time is running out. We considered the first two points last Sunday. Today we will fix our attention on the last two points drawn from Luke 13:1-9. 

Repent And Believe, Lest You Perish

It is in Luke 13:1-5 that Christ calls the unbelievers in the crowd to repentance and warns that if they do not repent, they will perish. 

Jesus took the opportunity to call the crowds to repentance and faith and to warn of judgment when a group of men spoke to him about a terrible thing that had happened. Look with me at verse 1. There the text says, “There were some present at that very time who told [Jesus] about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices” (Luke 13:1, ESV). 

We don’t know much about this event beyond what is said here in Luke. It seems that the Roman Governor, Pilate, had a group of men killed while they were in the courtyard of the temple where the Old Covenant sacrifices were offered up to God. Perhaps they were insurrectionists – religious zealots –  who were a threat to Pilate’s rule, and so he had them put down, even as they were in the courtyard of the temple offering up their sacrifices to God.  

Though I cannot prove it, I do wonder if these people who brought this terrible news to Jesus did so, not to help Jesus stay up to date on current events, nor to merely shoot the breeze with him about political affairs, but to test him somewhat to see how he would respond to the news. Perhaps they hoped he would respond by mobilizing the great multitude who had gathered around him to revolt against Pilate and Rome. Again, I’ll admit the text does not say this explicitly. But I do believe there are good reasons to think in this direction.

One, we know there were zealots in Jesus’ day who would have been very pleased to see Jesus lead this great multitude into armed rebellion against Pilate and Rome. Things like this happened fairly frequently in Jesus’ day (see Acts 5:36-37 & 21:38). I think it is almost certain that there were some with this revolutionary spirit in the crowd. 

Two, we should remember that just before this, Jesus told his disciples what their expectations for the future should be. It was in Luke 12:49 that we heard Jesus say, “I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:49–51, ESV). We know that Jesus kingdom is not of this world. We know that the division of which Jesus spoke was not spiritual and not the result of armed conflict. But I’m sure that some in the crowd took this to mean that Jesus was interested in armed rebellion.  

Three, in the teachings of Luke 12, we find Jesus consistently urging men to lift their eyes up from the earth to heaven, and from this present evil age to eternity. Remember that the rich farmer was a fool because he trusted in his earthly possessions but did not think of God or his eternal destiny. The multitudes were also rebuked for expertly reading the signs of nature concerning rain and heat while being blind to the signs from heaven concerning the grace of God and judgments of God associated with the arrival of God’s Messiah, Christ Jesus the Lord. I do believe that something similar is happening here. Christ claimed to be the King of God’s kingdom. No doubt, some were thinking in an earthly way. So, Jesus must again direct our attention to the spiritual, heavenly, and eternal. 

Notice carefully the way that Jesus responds to the news of this terrible act of violence. He does not rant and rave about Pilates’ wickedness, nor does he entertain the thought of revolt or rebellion. Instead, he speaks about sin, its consequences, and the way of salvation. 

Christ answered them in verse 2: “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?” 

This is an important question, isn’t it? Suffering and tragedy are a fact of life in this fallen world, and these things must be interpreted. What are we to think when someone experiences trials and tribulations? What are we to think when someone suffers? How are we to interpret these realities? This is the question that Jesus addressed when he asked, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way?” In other words, given that they died in this terrible way – their blood being mixed with the blood of the sacrifices they offered up at the temple – can we necessarily conclude that they must have been particularly terrible sinners? Jesus’  answer is found in verse 3: Christ says “no, I tell you”. Then he adds these words: “but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3, ESV)

After this, Christ mentioned another tragic event. In verse 4 we read, “Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?” Again, Christ said, “No”. 

Listen to what John Gill says in his commentary about this passage: 

“…there was a pool near Jerusalem, called the Pool of Shiloam,  John ix. 7. near or over which, was a tower built, which fell down and killed eighteen men; very likely as they were purifying themselves in the pool, and so was a case very much like the other… and this Christ the rather observes, and puts them in mind of, that they might see that not Galileans only, whom they had in great contempt, but even inhabitants of Jerusalem, died violent deaths, and came to untimely ends; and yet, as not in the former case, so neither in this was it to be concluded from hence, that they were sinners of a greater size, or their state worse than that of other men…”

So then, Christ rejects the idea that suffering, violent and tragic deaths, or, what we might perceive to be, untilemly ends, should be interpreted to mean that the person who experiences such things is a worse sinner than those who suffer less in life or die more peacefully at a ripe old age. 

This teaching from Christ about how to interpret suffering is important for two reasons. As has already been suggested, we face experiences and questions like these. We must have the mind of Christ on this issue. Is the suffering that we and others experience the direct result of sin? In a sense, yes. All suffering and death is the result of sin. But this does not mean that every instance of suffering and death is the direct result of some particular sin, or that those who suffer greatly are necessarily great sinners. Two, Jesus’ teaching about suffering and death is especially important because it enables us to properly interpret the sufferings and death that he would endure, and the sufferings and deaths of his disciples after his ascension to the Father’s right hand. 

Did Christ suffer and die because of sin? You know, there are two ways to answer this. Yes, and no. Yes, he died because of sin, but not because of his own sin. Christ was innocent and pure. He did not deserve to suffer and die. And yet he suffered and died to atone for the sins of many. This might sound strange, and I hope I am not misunderstood, but I do think there is a sense in which those men who were killed by Pilate as they offered up sacrifices at the altar did in some way anticipate and prefigure the death of Jesus. Pilate was the one who put these men to death, and Pilate would have Jesus put to death. The blood of these men was mingled with sacrificial blood, and the blood of Christ was offered up as sacrificial blood for the remission of sins. Here Christ teaches that we should not conclude that these men died because they were worse sinners than the other Galileans, and neither should we suppose that Christ suffered and died because he himself was guilty of sin. No, it was for our sake God made “him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21, ESV). And I do believe that something similar can be said about the 18 men who died when the tower of Siloam fell upon them. It was the wrath of God that fell upon Christ at the cross. He endured this outpouring of God’s wrath in the place of God’s elect so that we might be cleansed by him through faith and ascend to heaven through him. God’s wrath fell upon Christ because of sin, but it was not his personal sin, for he had none. No, it was for the sin of others that Christ endured the wrath of God poured out from on high. 

The main point is this: if we hold to the erroneous view that all suffering and death is the direct result of some personal and particular sin, then we will have a very difficult time understanding the terrible sufferings endured by Christ, his Apostles, and faithful followers of his throughout history, sometimes, even our own. Stated succinctly, when you experience trials and tribulations, it does not necessarily mean that God is displeased with you.      

Let us now go to the twice repeated warning, “but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” A few things need to be said about this warning: 

First of all, clearly, Christ does not mean that all who are unrepentant will die by being murdered by a governor or have a dilapidated tower fall on their head. I think you would agree that this interpretation would be far too literal. 

Secondly, this saying of Jesus does not imply that those who are repentant will not experience physical death, for we know that even God’s faithful pass from this life into the next through the door of physical death.

Thirdly, Christ must be speaking of spiritual and eternal death. The meaning is, unless you repent, you will all likewise perish spiritually and eternally.   

Fourthly, I do believe that the word “likewise”, which means “similarly” or in “like manner”, does push us to see a connection between how those who were killed by Pilate in the temple before the altar and those upon whom the tower of Siloam fell died physically and how those who are unrepentant will perish spiritually and eternally. In other words, I think we must see a connection or similarity between these instances of physical death and the spiritual death that will be experienced by all (and especially the Hebrews) who are unrepentant. 

I believe the connection is this: Where did the Galileans perish? They perished before the altar of sacrifice in the temple. So too, all who put their trust in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament will perish spiritually and eternally. And where did the 18 men upon whom the tower fell perish? They perished at the pool of Siloam where they sought purification and healing. So too, all who put their trust in ceremonial washings will perish spiritually and eternally. It is not the blood of bulls and goats that cleanses the conscience. It is only the blood of Christ! And it is not the ceremonial water that purifies the soul. Only the blood of Christ can heal and purify us body and soul. 

Fifthly, when Christ calls us to repentance, he also calls us to faith in him. In the Scriptures, when repentance is mentioned, faith in Christ is always implied. And when faith in Christ is mentioned, repentance is implied. A careful reading of the Scriptures reveals that two things go together like two sides to the same coin.  When Christ said, ​​“but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”, he called the crowds to turn from their sin and place their faith in him, confessing him to be their Lord and the Messiah.

As I have said, I do believe the word “likewise” pushes us to see some connection between these two events – one in the temple and one near the pool of Siloam – and the spiritual and eternal death that will be experienced by all who do not repent and believe upon Jesus. But there is a more general observation to make about our interpretation of tragedies, sufferings, and death. Brothers and sisters, whenever we see or experience sickness, persecution, wars, natural disasters, accidents, or death it should remind us that man has fallen into sin, that the wages of sin is death, that God has shown mercy to sinners to delay the full and final judgment, and he has delayed leaving room for the accomplishment and application of redemption to his elect (see 2 Peter 3:1-10). The LORD is a God “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6, ESV), but judgment day is coming. The sufferings, tragedies, and deaths that we see in the world should remind us that God has determined to show mercy to sinners to delay his full and final judgment and that judgment day is soon coming. 

The Time Is Short

In fact, this is what Christ warns us about next. It is through the parable of the fig tree that Christ warns us that time is short.

Look with me at verses 6 through 9. There we read,  “And [Jesus] told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down’” (Luke 13:6–9, ESV).

The general meaning of this parable is very clear,  just as a fruit tree that does not bear fruit will eventually be cut down and replaced with another so as to not take up valuable space in a vineyard or orchard, so too, those who do not bear the fruit of repentance and faith will eventually come under God’s condemnation when they pass from this life to the next. But God is patient towards sinners. He delays his judgment to leave room for repentance. However, his patience will not last forever. Someday, everyone will die and will stand before the throne of judgment. In general, this parable supplements the warning issued by Christ in the previous section, “but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”. Here the message is, do not delay. Do not presume upon the riches of God’s kindness and forbearance and patience but know that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance (see Romans 2:4–5). This is the general meaning. 

Specifically, it does seem that this parable had special meaning for the original audience. The fig tree symbolizes Israel. Notice that the vineyard owner waited three years for the fig to bear fruit. Not only is this how long it typically a fig tree to produce substantial fruit, but it was also the length of Jesus’ earthly ministry. He was going to Jerusalem, remember? His earthly ministry was drawing to a close. For about three years he had proclaimed the word of God and called the people to faith and repentence while performing signs and wonders. The harvest was rather meager as many remained unrepentant. But what did the vinedresser request of the owner? Give it a little more time. So then, God is the owner of the vineyard, Christ is the vinedresser, and the fig tree is Isarel. The request for a little more time communicates two things: One, God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. Two, time was running out. And time did run out. Not long after this, Israel would have her Messiah crucified, the Old Covenant order would pass away, and a New Covenant would be instituted. In other words, the kingdom of God would be taken away from Israel and given a people producing its fruits (see Matthew 21:43). So then, while this parable is a warning to all of us not to toy around or presume upon God’s kindness and to bear the fruits of repentance and faith today, it was especially a warning to the people of Israel, many of who remained unrepentant during the three years of Jesus’ earthly ministry. 

Conclusion

I’ll not move this sermon toward a conclusion by presenting you with a few suggestions for application. 

Firstly, may the trials and tribulations of this life and the sufferings we witness and endure produce within us a deeper awareness of sin and its effects, a greater appreciation for the redemption that Christ has earned through his suffering, and a more substantial longing for life in the new heavens and earth. Stated differently, may the sufferings of this cause us to lift our eyes heavenward to God and Christ and to place our trust firmly in them. Here is a great difference between the worldly person and the Christian who is born from above: while the worldly man will look to things of earth for salvation, the Christian will look to God and to Christ. I think of Psalm 121, a song of Ascents. ​​There the Psalmist says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1–2, ESV). 

Secondly, may all who hear these words take the warning of Christ very seriously: “unless you repent, you will… likewise perish” (Luke 13:5, ESV). It is very well possible that some are listening to this message who have not turned from their sins to place their faith in Christ.  It is important for you to hear these words: ​​ “unless you repent, you will… perish” (Luke 13:5, ESV). And the perishing of which Christ here speaks is not merely physical, but spiritual and eternal. The Scriptures are clear. On the last day there those who have trusted in Christ and obeyed him will be put on his right, while those who rejected him persisting in their sin and rebellion will be placed on his left. To those on his right he will say, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34, ESV), “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41, ESV). If you have you not yet believed upon Christ, I pray that you will take his words of warning seriously, “unless you repent, you will… likewise perish”. Friends, I implore you, to turn from your sins and trust in Jesus. Believe in him in the heart, confess that he is Lord with your lips, and express your devotion to him through the ordinances, first through water baptism, and then at the Lord’s Table. 

Thirdly, do not drag your feet or delay. Repentance and faith must be your highest priority. The Lord has shown you mercy all of these years of your life, whether they be few or many, but do not assume that you will have many more days. You do not know how many days the Lord will give you. For all you know, death could visit you tonight. And so do not delay. Turn from your sins and confess Jesus as your Lord. If you are ignorant concerning the Scriptures and the good news about salvation through faith in Jesus Christ contained within, speak to a pastor. Make knowing the truth about God, sin, and salvation in Jesus Christ your highest priority. Do not allow another day or week to pass you by. 

Fourthly, and finally, if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ, I exhort you, having heard the warnings that our Lord delivers to non-believers, to draw nearer to Christ than you have before. And as you abide in him, be sure to continuously bear the fruits of repentance and faith. As you do, speak with others about the hope that you have within, urging them to repent and believe so that they might have this hope along with you.