Chapter Overview
Jesus uses two tragic stories of death to present His universal point: unless you repent of your sins, you too will likewise perish. Jesus tells a parable of a fig tree that would only remain if it began to bear fruit. Repentance is a turn from fruitlessness to bring about produce for the Lord. Shortly after, Jesus heals a woman, and the Pharisees complain because He did so on the Sabbath. They still are not ready to repent and turn to Him. But their attacks would not stop Christ’s kingdom. It would start small and grow like a mustard seed or like leaven in flour. As Jesus heads to Jerusalem for the last time, He notes that few will be saved in His kingdom, though He desires to save everyone.
To repent is to be sorrowful for sin, to turn away from sin, and to run to God in trust and obedience. This is a fundamental attribute of kingdom citizens. God does not demand perfection, but His mercy is tied to our repentance. The kingdom, which started small, has grown all over the world as people turn from pride and self-reliance and to live for God. So many will be lost in the final judgment, living for themselves, and failing to prepare. But we must keep humble hearts until the end. Jesus faced death courageously because He believed in sharing the kingdom’s message. We must praise Him for His sacrifice and share His message of repentance with all who will listen.
Loving Father, thank You for revealing Your plan to save us in the kingdom of Your beloved Son. Help us to see what is required of us in that plan: to believe and repent of our sins and live obedient lives. Give us the wisdom to do this faithfully. Show us how to live this faith sincerely, always ready for Your Son’s return, and direct us to not be distracted with arguments and bitterness, as seen with the Pharisees. Eternal death awaits those who are unprepared. Keep us among Your people and help us reconcile others to You.
Thought Questions
- 1What does repentance look like in your life? Is it found in your prayers? Does it often produce change that is seen by others?
- 2The kingdom grew as the Pharisee’s influence diminished. Why is that? Why will genuine love and faith always prevail over hypocrisy?
- 3Jesus wanted to save everyone but had to pronounce righteous judgment. Is there a time when we must do so with others for their good?