God's Mission
Luke 13:1-8
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
~ Jesus
1 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.
Pondering Point
According to Scripture, God is clearly One full of grace (see John 1:14) – AND in this passage we see that our gracious God expects fruit-bearing from His “vineyard” of people. Fruit in His vineyard is the mission getting accomplished: Relationships restored through Jesus and actively practiced with Him and each other. If you’re part of God’s vineyard, then you’re part of His mission as well, right?
So ask yourself this question: Does sinfulness in your life hinder you being fruitful for God? This is not to be a general question about generally sinful people. God uses sinful people like you and me to accomplish His mission. This is a direct question for you personally. Are your specific sins hindering God’s work in and through you? Is God’s mission work through you being side-tracked or derailed by your sinful choices? People often dismiss the impact of sinful choices because they do not see an immediate reaction from God. But it matters.
One reason we lack fruit production is because we use our Vine-to-branch resources (John 15:5) toward what we want (personal desires) rather than towards what God wants. If necessary, confess this and ask God for help to change.
Prayer
Gracious God, thank You for connecting me to Yourself through Jesus. As a branch connected to Jesus the Vine, enable me to produce fruit to Your glory. Show me where sinful choices are getting in the way of serving You and producing fruit for Your vineyard. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.