[:en]Repent: (vs. 1-5)
Jesus related 2 kinds of people who died and the people thought that they were the worst sinners. First were the Galileans killed by Pilate. The Pharisees who opposed to use force to deal with Rome thought that the Galileans deserved to die for rebelling. Second, those killed by the Tower of Siloam. The Zealots, a group of anti-Roman terrorists said that the workers of the Tower of Siloam deserved to die for cooperating with the Romans. Jesus warned them that neither the Galileans nor the workers should be blamed for the calamity. Instead of blaming others, everyone should repent, otherwise they will also be judged.
Parable of a Fig Tree: (vs. 6-9)
The gardener took time and effort in caring for the fig tree but it did not bear any fruits. So the owner of the fig tree told the gardener to cut it down. He warned the listeners that God would not tolerate lack of productivity. He wants us to produce and bear fruits in response to God’s love and care.
A Crippled Woman Healed on The Sabbath (vs. 10-17)
When Jesus healed a crippled woman on the Sabbath day, the synagogue ruler condemned Jesus. Jesus pointed out his hypocrisy by asking: “Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water?? Should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for 18 years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?” (vs. 15-16)
We should never let man-made rules and regulations hinder us from helping others. God can bring physical healing and when He returns, all disease and disabilities will be gone.
The Parable of the Mustard Seed and the Yeast (vs. 18-21)
The Kingdom of God begins quietly like the mustard seed but it will gradually grow into an enormous tree. It is also like a yeast that makes the dough double in size. The Kingdom of God shall ultimately be made known to the whole world no matter how people try to stop it through persecutions. The Good news of His salvation shall be proclaimed to the whole earth.
The Narrow Door (vs. 22-30)
Jesus pointed out that the way to God’s kingdom is through a narrow door. There will be many surprises in God’s Kingdom because those influential people on this earth will be outside the gate while those being despised will be greatly honored inside His Kingdom.
God does not look at a person’s earthly popularity, status, wealth, heritage or power. What matters is your commitment to Him. Will you be inside or outside His Kingdom?
Jesus’ Sorrow for Jerusalem (vs. 31-35)
Jerusalem is the city of God which symbolizes the entire nation of Israel. It is a city that has a history of rejecting God’s prophets. But Jesus purposely went there even though he knew that He will be rejected. He showed His care for His own people when He said: “I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (v. 34).
Will you reject Jesus or are you willing to be gather under His wings?[:]