What About Tragedy?

About this time Jesus was informed that Pilate had murdered some people from Galilee as they were offering sacrifices at the Temple. “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the other people from Galilee?” Jesus asked. “Is that why they suffered? Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God. And what about the eighteen people who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they the worst sinners in Jerusalem? No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.” Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” [Luke 13.1-9] 

There are some important revelations here in this story told by Jesus. These revelations have to do with a topic Christians have struggled with for centuries: tragedy.

First, it should be understood that Jesus puts everyone on the same playing field as far as deserving tragedy (curses). The people who suffered were not worse than others, In fact, others would get their just reward too if they didn't repent and turn to God. Jesus reiterates this point recalling a second incident that seemed a random tragedy like the first one. He was very clear that everyone was deserving of tragedy. 

Secondly, whether tragedy strikes us or others, our response should always be the same: repentance.

Then, when Jesus followed this with the story of the man planting a fig tree, we see another important practice to accompany repentance: intercession. The fact that the man who planted the fig tree waited three years speaks of God's patience with mankind. Even though just one fruitless year warrants destruction, God is patient with people. But the time comes (and no one knows that time but God) when God says, "No more!" And here is where intercession for others, not judgement, comes into focus.

But there is yet another aspect to this story that must be seen. Jesus gives us a clear picture of discipleship: "special attention and plenty of fertilizer" that accompanies intercession. Then, after a year of special attention and fertilizer (what should be a season of fruit-bearing), if the person remains fruitless, the intercessor takes his attention off the fruitless "tree" and presumably directs his efforts elsewhere.

So, we see in Jesus' teaching that tragedy is the default fate of everyone born of Adam. We see however that God is patient. And, we see that, because all deserve death, repentance is a universal requirement. We also see that intercession is repentance on behalf of others and that discipleship is the actionable extension of intercession. We see that intercessors also "inspect fruit" and eventually must leave unrepentant, unresponsive-to-discipleship, fruitless people to their fate.

There is so much more to be understood from this teaching by Jesus...

Father, help me, as I learn more of You and Your Word (Jesus), to see and hear what Jesus has taught and understand not only how Your Kingdom works, but to effectively work in it. May I be found always repentant - not only for myself, but as an intercessor for others - always with the focus of making disciples. May I have discernment that fruitless disciples are no disciples at all and so spend my time and efforts where there is fruit. Help me follow in the steps of Jesus. So be it.