March 23, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 13:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Genesis 27:30-45; 28:10-22; Mark 9:1-13

[Jesus said,] “No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Hurry up and wait. That’s often the situation in this world. You scramble to get a paper or project turned in for class by the due date, and then it takes your teacher long weeks to return it to you. Your parents ask you to get your chores done right away, but when you need something from them, it seems like the hands of the clock are turning in molasses. You hurry up, and then you wait. That seems to be the experience of these words from Jesus. First, He insists that your repentance is needed right away! Repent, Jesus says, before a tower falls on you or an evil dictator puts you to death for no good reason. Don’t delay, but repent of your sin!

And then, Jesus turns around and tells a parable that seems to have a completely different point. Instead of “repent before you die,” Jesus talks about a patient vinedresser who tells the farm owner to be patient with the unproductive fruit tree before having the tree chopped down. “Let me work my magic,” the vinedresser pleads. “Don’t chop it down yet; I have hope that it will work out.” Right after the call to “hurry up and repent,” Jesus now talks about waiting.

It’s REALLY important to look at this two-part teaching that Jesus gives in order. First, He provides the Law. “Repent before it’s too late!” These words are addressed to comfortable sinners. If you think that everything is okay and that you have life under control, look at your life and repent of your sin. On the other hand, the second part of this reading shows the Gospel. If you are crushed by your guilt and sin, hear that the Lord is merciful and patient, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. He isn’t quick to judge or cut down trees but takes time to see the work of His Word in people, including you.  

If you are afraid that you aren’t a good enough Christian or if you wonder if there’s a chance that God will judge you because of your sinfulness, remember the vinedresser who begs for more time and more effort before chopping down the fig tree. Your Savior Jesus is patient with you, delivering His Word to you so that you will not perish but have everlasting life.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from Your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of Your Word; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent)

-Rev. Peter Ill, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!