March 23 2025 Lent 3

Isaiah 55.1-9 Psalm 63.1-9 1 Corinthians 10.1-13 Luke 13.1-9

The Jesus in this gospel passage is a very different Jesus than the one we usually see.  This Jesus is not there to heal, to welcome, to feed, to restore to relationship, or even to tend to the spiritual needs of the people who have come to him.

Historians are unsure which event this reference to the Galileans who were massacred is pointing to although most agree that the Galileans probably died at the hands of the Roman government because they were engaged in some form of resistance.  Pilate had then mixed some of their blood with the blood of animals used in sacrifice; however Jesus’ response does not address the demise of these people, his focus is one of piety.

Jesus points out to the group that those who died were no worse ‘sinners’ than they are.  Just because these people died a terrible death does not make them ‘worse’ than the rest of us.  And Jesus uses this moment to remind those listening to him of their need to repent.  And at some level, this may look like Jesus is not really ‘hearing’ their distress about their ‘friends’ who were killed.  Jesus does not seem to pay any attention to the emotions being expressed.  But Jesus is reminding them that ‘all’ sin, we are all in the same boat when it comes to sin, and he is telling them that the idea that those who ‘suffer’ do so because of ‘sin’ is misleading.  Jesus is reminding them, and us, that suffering is not evidence of whether a person is a ‘sinner’ or not.

And he then goes on to tell them a parable, a parable about grace.  The landowner has been waiting at least three years to get fruit from his fig tree, but every time to goes to look for fruit he is disappointed.  Finally, he decides enough is enough, it is time to cut his losses and get rid of the tree.  But the gardener asks for ‘time’; time to fertilise it, time to nurture it, time to encourage fruitful growth in it.  But he also agrees that if, after 1 year, all that attention does not work, he will remove the tree.

And the juxtaposition of Jesus’ comments about sin and the parable, remind us that even though our sin makes us worthy of punishment, God at work in the world and in our lives extends us the gift of grace.  Like the tree, we are given many opportunities to improve and bear fruit, opportunities to do the right thing, opportunities to be a better person.  And in the same way as God extends grace to us, so we also need to extend grace to others.  We sin.  We repent.  And by the grace of God we receive another chance to be the person God calls us to be.

The question to Jesus at the heart of the people’s report on the slaughter of the Galileans is – why.  And it is a question we ask over and over again whenever we hear news reports, or weather reports, or read social media posts about world affairs.  Why did such a tragedy occur.  Why is there so much suffering in the world.  Why is the weather pattern changing so much.  Why does God allow such human suffering.

And I think Jesus’ response, in not really addressing their question, is a way of saying – ask a better question.  Asking why is not helpful because it only turns you in circles that keep going sideways.  Most of the time, those who ask why questions usually already have the answer they expect or want you to give, and Jesus avoids giving that answer.  He is not going to buy into their belief that those who suffered deserved it because they were ‘sinners’.  Or that bad things happen to bad people.  And I think we are still asking those same questions and expecting that same answer.  Although we often don’t even admit it consciously, we still, at varying levels, believe that bad things happen to bad people, and if someone is unfortunate enough to suffer tragedy they must have done something to deserve it..

And the problem with this line of thinking is that it keeps us separated from those affected, we ‘keep our distance’ physically, emotionally, spiritually, from embracing and supporting the person affected.  And Jesus challenges this – repent before it is too late.  Jesus is telling us that when we keep our distance from the mystery and reality of another person’s pain, we need to find a better question.  Don’t ask ‘why’ tragedy happens, focus on those affected.  Don’t blame God when bad things happen, offer God your hands and feet, your hearts and souls.  Don’t talk about the suffering of others unless you are prepared to do something to alleviate it.

Look for a better question.  Start again.  Go deeper, be braver, draw closer.  Repent  Change your mind, turn around, head in a different direction.

And the parable gives us that better question.  Instead of asking why the tree has not given him any fruit, maybe the landowner should be asking – what can I do to improve the lot of the tree so that it will bear fruit.  Which is what the gardener is offering.

And if we see ourselves as the tree in the story, we could ask in what way am I like the fig tree, Un-nourished, un-enlivened, unable or unwilling to nourish others, am I feeling hopeless or helpless, ignored or dismissed.  What will it take to bring me back to life, and am I willing to receive such restorative care, am I willing to change.

And if we put ourselves as the gardener, we might ask, where in my life am I willing to receive God’s invitation to ‘go deep’ into the muck and manure.  Where do I see life, where others see death.  Am I willing to pour hope into a project that I cannot control.  Am I willing to ‘take the risk’ and walk with someone and assist them back to life.

Ask a better question, live a better answer.  Time is running out, the season to bear fruit is now.  Repent.  Do it now.