CH 21 Israel
Intro
Truly God is good to Israel (those governed by God), to those of an upright heart, (Psalm 73:1). But like many things we have discussed in this book, there is a tension between God’s goodness and what might be perceived by us as his severity. Jesus had many words of correction and reproof which he gave to the Jews which on the surface may seem harsh and unloving to our little minds. As we have deliberated previously, sometimes the loving thing to do is to be stern and forthright in order to jolt sinners out of their stupor & error. Such was often the case in the Teacher’s dealing with his fellow countrymen. They needed an intervention, they had hardened their hearts and moved away from the one thing that could save them. They lost their faith, forgot the promises given to them and felt their traditions & works to be good enough to satisfy God. Jesus’ words to them challenged their preconceptions clearly & directly.
The temptation for us today is to dismiss these directives given to Israel as no longer relevant to our situation. Hopefully, you will feel differently after we consider some of the Lord’s words, making applications to them for our lives today.
“Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me,” (Luke 7:23). These words of Jesus were true in his day as well as for us today. You see, God’s promises always come true. What God says, IS! (Isaiah 46:9-10) But his thoughts are not our thoughts & his ways are not are ways (Isaiah 55:8-9), his understanding is unsearchable (Isaiah 40:28), we cannot really comprehend his mind & his methods. Thus, we often get confused, we get things wrong. Such was the case with 1st Century Israel. They were looking for the Messiah, but they anticipated incorrectly how he would appear. Their scriptures told of a conquering King (Isaiah 2:2-4, 9:6-7 & 11:1-10) and also of a suffering Servant (Isaiah 52:13-15 & 53:1-12; Genesis 3:15 & 22:1-14). The latter was dismissed. Their scriptures also clearly spoke of a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34 & Ezekiel 18:31-32) which would replace the first covenant of the Law. This too they refused to see. Ultimately, most of Israel was offended by our Lord, suffering a fate that history documents as not being good.
As I look at the Bible as one big story book, I see that the hinge point between experiencing the goodness of God verses his severity (Romans 11:22) is based upon faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” (Hebrews 11:6). Everyone whose story is positive demonstrates faith that obeys. A faith that waits upon the Lord. Conversely, those whose stories have bad endings lack faith and rebel against the Lord. The unsearchable part to me is that some of the rebellious ones are given a second chance while others are not. Satan, Cain, Esau, Saul, Korah, Achan, Ananias & Sapphria, the world before the Flood…these top the list of the rebellious unforgiven, while Jacob’s sons, Aaron, David, Jonah, Paul & all of us who call Jesus Lord, are walking in his goodness & grace. We have been forgiven! Why is this so? I have no idea! But it sobers me and motivates me to stay in the place of the love of God, (Jude 21).
And before I get too judgmental about the ways of God, I must always remember that the very same Being who is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29) was also nailed to a wooden beam for me. He humbled himself and became a man, lived a perfect life and then died for me, yes, but also died for the sins of the whole world. When I end a sentence about God with a question mark, I need to pivot and end that same sentence with a cross! (+ instead of ?). I need to be Cross-Eyed!
With this introduction, let us consider some of the difficult encounters Jesus had with the Jewish leaders (representing the nation of Israel), looking at the prophetic implications as well as applications for us.
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
In Bible typology, a vineyard always has an embedded meaning to Israel. Let’s see what this parable is saying, both to them & us.
For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day (one full day’s wages), he sent them into the vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them; go you also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. And they went their way. Again, he went out about the sixth & ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said unto them, why stand you here all day idle? They said unto him, because no man has hired us. He said to them, go you also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that you shall receive. So, when evening was come, the lord of the vineyard said unto his steward, call the laborers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the goodman of the house. Saying, these last have worked but one hour, and you have made them equal with us, which have borne the burden of the heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, friend, I do you no wrong: Did you not agree with me for a penny? Take what yours is, and go your way: I will give unto the last, even as unto you. Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is your eye evil, because I am good? So, the last shall be first, and the first last: For many be called, but few chosen.
Matthew 20:1-16 (italics added)
You may remember when we discussed this parable earlier that this story doesn’t feel very fair. The workers who labored for the entire twelve-hour workday received exactly the same as the ones who worked less, and in some cases quite a bit less. Disappointing for the first laborers, but that was the arrangement they had negotiated. That was the point of this story. This parable speaks of God’s grace. Grace by definition is not equal. On the contrary, it is capricious and totally up to the pleasure of the one bestowing the unmerited & undeserved favor. It cannot be earned.
You see, the first group of workers was in an entirely different category. They had a contract. The others did not. Thus, the late-comers reward for their labor was somewhat based upon faith. The householder said, “whatever is right, you shall receive.” Without a specific contract, they were in a position to be joyful when the goodman settled things with them at the end of the day
All of the laborers needed work, just as all need salvation! We Gentiles, who have come to Jehovah at this late time, so to speak, recognize God’s deliverance through Christ as a gift. We didn’t have a contract, but our Jewish friends did! They were the first group. You see, they had the Law. They had a covenant with our God to follow the Law. If they did, they would be saved without God’s grace being needed. That’s why this parable pictures the nation of Israel. They are the first, we Gentiles are the last.
This Bible paradox certainly has come to pass as we look at Jewish history over the last two thousand years. We have seen Israel shrink back, as they for the most part rejected Messiah, while the Gentiles, having embraced him, were the blessed group. Jesus is fully alluding to this prophecy in speaking to the Jews in a way that would be hard to forget. “The first (you Jews) will be last, and the last (Gentiles) will be first!”
But what about an application for us personally? It is important not despise the grace of God when we see it given another. Especially if they seem less worthy. Comparison is a trap our Enemy loves for us to use. Don’t do it! Be happy when others are blessed out of proportion to their merit. For the same thing happened to you, when you think about it. Jesus saved you from destruction, so, if he didn’t do another thing for you, that would be enough.
Let’s look at another parable which we have previously discussed, this time from the point of view of what it says to Israel as well as to the Gentiles.
The Prodigal Son’s Brother
The main application to the famous parable of the Prodigal Son is that of forgiveness and reconciliation as well as demonstrating the Father’s love for us. We cried as we considered him running to embrace the repentant son. Everyone loves this story. Especially when it ends there with the happy ending. But the parable continues. The rebellious younger son had an older brother who is often left out when this story is preached from the pulpit. That’s because it takes a left turn! The older brother is not happy for his sibling. He too is caught up despising the grace of God (the father) given to his brother.
Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, this man receives sinners, and eats with them.
Luke 15:1-2
The parables of the Good Shepherd, the Lost Coin, and the Prodigal Son were given in response to the Jewish leader’s exclusion of “sinners” from the Hope of Israel. When we look at the context and setting of Jesus’ words, that is, in response to an attack by the religious elite, we can understand the turn the last portion of this three-in-one parable takes.
…But when he was a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him…The father said to his servants, bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it: And let us eat, and be merry. Now the elder son was in the field (the land in Bible typology pictures Israel, while the sea typifies the Gentile nations): And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in:
Luke 15:20, 22-28a (italics added)
The older son had faithfully followed in his father’s footsteps. He worked the land, he tended to expectations placed upon him. He was working for his father’s favor and ultimately for his blessing and inheritance. So, from that point of view, it is easy to see why he became upset. We would too. But that’s the problem. It is me, me, me when it comes to that older son. Like his father, he should have been glad for his brother, but his jealousy won out over any empathy that he could have had. One of the proverbs speaks loudly against this common paradigm that we can hold; “He that is glad at calamities shall not go unpunished,” (Proverbs 17:5). The boy was caught up in a works mentality. We know that is not where the blessing resides in God’s economy. No amount of work can be enough secondary to our sinful human nature. The elder son became harsh secondary to his legalism. Flee judgmentalism! It will kill your love.
Therefore, his father came out, and intreated him. And he answering said unto his father, Lo, these many years did I serve you, neither transgressed I at any time your commandment: And yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this your son was come, which has devoured your living with harlots, you have killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, son, you are ever with me, and all I have is yours. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: For this your brother was dead, and is alive again, he was lost, and is found.
Luke 15:28-32
The elder son’s confusion via legalism is clearly seen in the fact that he felt he never had
transgressed his father. His living, by comparison, is emphasized next as he notes his younger brother’s sins as being egregious and thus unacceptable to be forgiven. All of this because he was working for the blessing. Jesus is teaching that God wants to bestow grace & mercy, but he doesn’t owe it to anyone. As Isaiah has prophesied, “all of our righteousnesses are as filthy rags,” (Isaiah 64:6).
Of course, this parable accurately predicted the behavior of the Jews towards their Father and the Gentiles. Fourteen hundred years of following the Law and then thinking the rules had changed. What they missed though, is that they were wrong. God had said from the very beginning of his relationship with the children of Abraham that the righteous shall live by faith, (Genesis 15:6). Wonderfully though, we see the Father’s love for the Jews as the parable ends, “All that I have is yours, son.” At the end of this age, Israel too will have a happy ending. They will recognize Jesus as Lord, and as Paul preaches, “all Israel will be saved,” (Romans 11:26).
The application for me is that I need to quit trying to get God to bless me. He will be a debtor to no man. I want to just enjoy his grace, intimacy & goodness! I need to remember that I could never do enough to merit his blessing. That would be like swimming across Lake Michigan. Impossible! Also, ultimately, he IS the blessing. I take this by faith now as I cannot see him, but one day it will be my reality!
The Parable of the Unclean Spirit
Jesus received much pushback from the Jews who rejected him as Messiah. Secondary to his immense popularity and adoration from the common people of the nation, the leaders could not simply dismiss him. They had to challenge him, they had to knock him down, they had to put out the fire of hope that the Lord had ignited amongst the people. Thus, they attacked him at every turn. One such confrontation involved their request for a sign from Jesus validating his claims. To that request, the Prophet told of the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah was in the belly of the beast for three days & three nights so would the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth. And just as Jonah came back from the dead, so would he! Then Jesus indicted the scribes & Pharisees for their unbelief by noting that others had heard the gospel and had not rejected it. He spoke of the men of Nineveh who repented at the preaching of Jonah as well as the Queen of Sheba who traveled from far away to hear the wisdom of Solomon, observing that the greater than Jonah and Solomon was present before them.
After his tough love, the rejected Savior gave a prophetic parable of their future fate secondary to that said refusal to believe his message of life.
When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walks through dry places (unclean spirits are found in dry places & are fond of dry places!), seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goes he, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: And the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Matthew 12:43-45 (italics added)
A spiritual principle is revealed by this parable. There must be regeneration over reformation. Israel had reformation after their captivity in Babylon. Prior to that, they worshiped the idols of the heathen, but after coming out of internment they no longer sought after the false gods of the world. Their house was swept and garnished, if you will. Unfortunately, it was still empty! They had not replaced the bad with the good. They were still an unfilled vessel. In rejecting the Messiah, they were saying no to regeneration. In refusing Jesus’ gift of life, they chose death. They let seven spirits, more wicked than the first come in and reside in their clean but empty house.
This explains so much in the world today. Why do addicts succeed in kicking their habit only to relapse again? Why do prison inmates so often cycle back into crime after their sentence is over? Why does the repentant husband beg forgiveness from his wife after his affair only to stray again after she has released him? Simple really. In each case, Israel, the addict, the criminal and the cheater, no change occurred in the heart! Until the cleaned and empty house is filled with something good, until the Holy Spirit moves in, nothing really has happened. Jesus is teaching that regeneration, that the New Birth, is the answer to the wicked heart, to the empty house of man.
So, what does this tell me when I consider helping others? For one, it loudly states that I can’t clean the fish until I catch it! Going “all in” against abortion, evolution, alternate lifestyles, or any other non-Biblical world-view isn’t where I want to direct my efforts. It’s all about Christ and him crucified. It’s all about the good news of Jesus Christ, his death, burial & resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus is at the center. Everything else is secondary. He is the name in which men are saved and made new. With this calling, I want to help my fellow man, help the addict, the criminal and the unfaithful husband, not with counseling & intervention but with love and truth. With grace & the Gospel.
The Parable of the Great Feast
The Gospel of Luke gives interesting details of a dinner party Jesus & his disciples attended which was hosted by one of the chief Pharisees on the Sabbath day. At that meal, many others were also present, including a man who suffered from congestive heart failure, known to the ancients as dropsy. The Pharisees desired to condemn Jesus for healing the man on the Sabbath but were stopped in their tracks by the brilliance of Jesus’ words. He asked, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath? Which of you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit and will not straightway pull him out on the Sabbath day?” As noted, they could not answer this wonderful logic. Jesus then used this platform to give a parable about humility followed by one glorifying service. One of the dinner guests marveled at the Teacher’s words by proclaiming “Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God.” To that exclamation, Jesus clarified a problem he perceived his hosts, and by extension, the nation of Israel, were going to have secondary to their dismissal of the King of the Kingdom of God.
Then he said unto him, a certain man made a great supper, and invited many: And sent his servant (An unnamed servant is often a picture of the Holy Spirit in the Bible) at supper time to say to them that were invited, Come, for all things are now ready.
Luke 14:16-17 (italics added)
The invited guests speak of the unbelieving portion of Israel. They were the preferred, they were the chosen. They were invited to partake in eternal fellowship with the Father. But read what happens to them. What can often happen to all if we are not paying attention;
And they all with one voice began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it: I pray you have me excused. And another said, I have bought five oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray you have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.
Luke 14:18-20
Excuses cause me to miss out on dining with the Lord. Possessions (the piece of ground), occupation (the five oxen), family (married a wife) are not bad in themselves obviously, but they can distract me from intimacy with my Lord when he nudges me to come and dine with him. The choice of my priorities will determine my place at the banquet table. Of course, that is the point to unbelieving Israel, they were not paying close attention and missed out on the blessing.
So, the servant came and showed his lord these things. Then the master of his house being angry said to his servant, go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
Luke 14:21
On the day of Pentecost, Peter preached Jesus Christ, him crucified and resurrected, and three thousand in Jerusalem believed, (Acts 2:41). These all were Jews which had come for the Feast. The first group of believers, the first group of guests which came to the great feast of this parable were the believing portion of Israel. They were of the city, they were nearby. The Church of Christ is made up of only two groups, Jews & Gentiles. What Christ did is break down the partition, the wall separating them, making the two clusters into one, (Ephesians 2:11-15).
You can probably guess who the next group is.
And the servant said, Lord, it is done as you have commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say to you, that none of those men which were invited shall taste my supper.
Luke 14:22-24
“For God desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth,” (1 Timothy 2:4). He wants his house to be filled. But he is a perfect gentleman, he will not force himself upon any of us. So sad for the Jews!
Of course, this last group of banqueters are from farther away. They are the Gentiles who were called last and partake of the meal while the first group decline and miss out.
The Parables of the Vineyard
After Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem prior to Passover (fulfilling the prophecy given in Zechariah 9:9), as well as the subsequent cleansing of the Temple by our Lord, the leaders of the nation, were desperate to take him out. The Messianic fire started by Jesus in the hearts of the people, this movement which they perceived would lead to retaliation from the Romans, must be snuffed out. Thus, they grilled him subtly, yet mercilessly, in an attempt to obtain evidence they could use against him. The brilliance of our Lord rebuffed them at every turn. Jesus ended his rebuttals by asking about John. “The baptism of John, where was it from? Heaven, or of men?” (Matthew 21:25). They could not answer this logic without tripping up themselves, thus, they refused to say. To that Jesus spoke two parables, which again are one, impeaching the Jewish fathers for their unbelief and prophesying what would therefore occur consequent to their rejection of the Messiah.
But what think you? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, son, go work today in my vineyard. He answered and said, I will not: But afterward he repented, and went. And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go sir: And went not. Which of the two did the will of his father?
Matthew 21:28-31a
Jesus was setting them up for a fall indeed. The first son represents the common people, they were the “sinners” who initially did not follow the Law, like their pharisetical leaders, but later repented when they heard the preaching of John. Of course, the second son, the one who said he would go but then did not, speak of the religious leaders. The Savior is unwrapping their hypocrisy unwittingly before their eyes!
They say unto him, the first. Jesus said unto them, truly I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and you believed him not: But the publicans and the harlots believed him: And you, when you had seen it, repented not afterward, that you might believe him.
Matthew 21:31b-32
Once again, the paradox of the first shall be last & the last shall be first is clearly seen.
John’s ministry had been spoken of by Isaiah (Isaiah 40:1-5), yet they refused to listen to him. The time of the appearance of the Messiah had been openly predicted by Daniel (9:25-26), nonetheless, they turned their backs upon that certain revelation.
The result of their unbelief is next;
Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard (by now you understand the vineyard is Israel), and hedged it round about (the householder nourished it), and dug a winepress in it (hoping to see fruit production), and built a tower (He gave them his Word), and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants (the prophets) to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants more than the first: And they unto them likewise. But last of all he sent unto them his son (showing that Jesus is the last word given by God to Israel). But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, this is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the lord therefore of the vineyard comes, what will he do unto the husbandmen? They said unto him, he will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him fruit in their seasons.
Matthew 21:33-41 (italics added)
Incredible! The leaders did not see the obvious! That’s what sin does. That’s what self-righteousness accomplishes. It blinds me from what others see readily. And look what they did…they pronounced their own prophecy against themselves. “Those husbandmen shall be miserably destroyed and the vineyard given to others.” Of course, we know that is exactly what occurred. The unbelieving portion of Israel suffered tragically, being taken out and suppressed shortly thereafter while the Church, made up of believing Jews & Gentiles, was the recipient of God’s blessing and has brought forth fruit over the past two thousand years.
In response to their understanding of the flow of the parable while at the same time not comprehending that it spoke of them, the Prophet lowered the boom;
Jesus said unto them, did you never read in the scriptures, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? Therefore, say I unto you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth fruits thereof.
Matthew 21:42-43
Ironically, these words are found in Psalm 118:22-23 and are immediately followed by the praises Christ’s followers sang that very day. “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Save now (Hosanna), I beseech thee, O Lord: O Lord, I beseech thee, send now prosperity. Blessed be he that comes in the name of the Lord,” (Psalm 118:24-26). Looking back, this must have floored the believers which heard this. The Bible was being fulfilled right in front of their eyes at that moment!
The context of Jesus’ reprimand is that the chief cornerstone being rejected sang of the days of Solomon when the Temple was being constructed. In that day, the stones for the Temple came up from the rock quarry, pre-fitted. But there was one that didn’t seem to match anything, so it was rolled down the temple mount into the valley below. Later the builders realized it indeed was the cornerstone, the stone upon which all of the building was centered! Of course, spiritualizing, this song reveals what happened to our Lord. It prophesied of the time of Messiah, the true chief cornerstone, who also would be rejected.
And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: But on whosoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.
Matthew 21:44
If I fall upon the chief cornerstone in brokenness, in humility & repentance, in agreement that I am a sinner, then I am saved. But if the chief cornerstone falls upon me, woe is me…for that Stone grinds to powder. As noted elsewhere, “our God is a consuming fire.”
This parable reminds me of Daniel’s words which also speak of Jesus, the Rock;
Thou saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron & clay, and broke them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold (representing all of the previous kingdoms of the world), broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors (nothing but dust); that no place was found for them: And the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and (his glory) filled the whole earth.
Daniel 2:34-35 (italics added)
At this point, the Bible tells us that the priests and Pharisees realized Jesus had been speaking of them all along, but it was too late for them. Like Pharaoh in the days of Moses, their hearts where hardened. We learn from Matthew that they wanted to kill him that very moment but feared the people as they took Jesus correctly as a prophet.
How do you see Jesus, how do I perceive Him? Is he a threat to our comfort & plans or is he a prophet predicting our future? The answer to this question determines our destiny. Like the unbelieving & believing Jews, our future will be misery or majesty based upon the answer to this inquiry!
The Parable of the Fig Tree Given a 2nd Chance
As we have previously discussed, like the vineyard, the Fig Tree also speaks of Israel each time it is used in the Bible. Thus, a parable about a fig tree given another chance brings joy to our hearts. We are sad for Israel as we understand, that given the same circumstances, we too could easily trip up as they did. For the Chief Cornerstone was not what they expected.
Let’s see what they did with their second chance. Would they repent?
There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And Jesus answering said unto them, suppose you that these Galileans, were sinners above all Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you, no: But, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish. Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all men that dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, no: But, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.
Luke 13:1-4
The news of the day, like in our time today, can be bothersome. It can push against the paradigms we have erected. A common construct we have is that bad things happen to bad people & good things happen to good people. Jesus blows this mindset out of the water, noting that all are sinners and evil & disasters are somewhat random. “Stuff” is going to happen. This is a fallen planet inhabited by sinners. A better way, instead of complaining about the bad, is to marvel at God’s grace, that good also abundantly happens. We need to look for the blessings and be grateful when we see them.
Along with leveling the playing field by observing that we all are sinners, the Lord concluded to his listeners, and to us, that repentance is the key. Agree with what God says about our sin, that’s repentance, and turn to Him for salvation.
He spoke also this parable; a certain man (the Father) had a fig tree planted in his vineyard (a fig tree & a vine, clearly speaking of Israel); and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard (Jesus), behold, these three years (the duration of Jesus’ public ministry to Israel) I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: Cut it down; why bother letting it stand? And he (Jesus) answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, until I shall dig it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: And if not, then after that you shall cut it down.
Luke 13:6-9 (italics added)
For the entirety of Jesus’ time with the Jewish leaders, the Father was not seeing any fruit. Cut them down was the order. Like the souls whose blood Pilate mingled and the men at Jerusalem’s pool of Siloam whom the tower crushed, the nation had been judged and found wanting. But like Moses in the days of the Exodus when he interceded for the people who had been sinning, we see Jesus doing the same. Let me dig it. That is, let me expose the roots of the tree. Let me show my brothers that they are missing the mark. And let me dung it. That is, let them see me dispel myself. Let them learn what I will do for them in dying for their sins. Let’s give them this chance. Then after seeing my resurrection, if they bear fruit they will live. If not, then you can cut them down.
Of course, we know this is what happened. Those who chose to believe, continued on making up the early church of Jesus Christ, while the unbelieving portion of Israel was cut down less than one generation later as Rome leveled the city and the nation.
What does this parable say to me, to you? Clearly, if I expose my sin, if we confess our sin & if dispel myself, if we call Jesus our Lord, we will be in a position like that fig tree to produce fruit. And bearing fruit glorifies the Father (John 15:8). That’s what I want to do.
The Cursed & then Revived Fig Tree
During the last week of his earthly ministry, Jesus gave an object lesson about the power of faith when he cursed a fig tree that could not please him with fruit to satisfy his hunger. But a second message, a picture if you will, of the fate of nation, is also portrayed.
And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find anything thereon: And when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, no man eat fruit of yours, hereafter forever. And his disciples heard it…And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
Mark 11:12-14, 20
The disciples marveled at the quick destruction of the fig tree which allowed the Teacher to speak of the power of faith to move mountains. But as mentioned, a second meaning is also present. Remembering that the Fig Tree always speaks of Israel, this illustrates what would happen to the nation subsequent to their rejection of the Messiah. Their inability to please him with fruit cost the nation it’s very life.
The same principle is in play for all. The Bible teaches that Jesus is worthy to receive glory, honor and power, for he has created all things, and for his pleasure, they are and were created (Revelation 4:11). This means that all created things are for his pleasure. Obviously, we were created. Thus, our purpose is to please him above anything else we may say or do. When we are not fulfilling that purpose, our purpose, well then, we are missing the meaning of our very lives! Since he is the vine and we are the branches (John 15:5), when we become disconnected from the Source, well, clearly, we will dry up, just as that fig tree did.
Wonderfully, later the very same day, the Prophet once again spoke of the Fig Tree. This time in the context of the End of this Age, predicting that the Fig Tree would come back to life and in so doing, signaling the very time of his near return. Let’s listen to this wonderful prophecy once again;
Now learn a parable of the fig tree; when her branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: So, in like manner, when you shall see all these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Truly I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, until all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: But my words shall not pass away.
Mark 13:28-31
Because Jesus suffered, died and was raised to life, he miraculously paved the way for the same to happen to the Fig Tree. Indeed, this is what has transpired. The nation died and for two thousand years were without a homeland. Then, after the Holocaust, the culmination of two millennia of suffering, the nation was rebirthed on March 14th, 1948. Delightfully for us, Jesus then promised that the generation that witnessed that event, that is, those alive when it occurred, would not pass away until they witness his return. That was seventy-three years ago! That generation is getting pretty old. Surely his coming is nigh. Heaven and earth will pass away before his words will lose their power!
Applying this lesson to my life is easy. The same words of the Master that can raise the dead also can restore things that have died in my life, things have gone on in yours that you feel can never be returned. Have faith, the mountain of unbelief can be moved by his resurrection power. Lord, help us in our unbelief!
Three Pictures of Resurrection
In one day in the life of Jesus, we see three miracles of healing that typify his deliverance of all people, both Gentiles & Jews.
And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes (Gentile territory) …And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils a long time, and wore no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs (nudity & obsession with death are often signs of Satan’s influence). And when he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him (the devils were in fear before our Lord), and with a loud voice said, what have I to do with you, Jesus, thou Son of God most high (they knew who he was)? I beseech you, torment me not…And Jesus asked him, saying, what is your name? And he said, Legion: Because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep (Devils know their ultimate destination of outer darkness, but they did not think this was yet the time) …He (Jesus) suffered them. Then the devils went out of the man…Then they that saw what was done came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind.
Luke 8:26-35 (excerpts; italics added)
The demoniac man from the land of the Gadarenes pictures the Gentiles. They lived outside of the promises of God, outside of the covenants and were unaware of his directives. Thus, they were easy pickings for the god of this world. You see, without God’s Word we are in the dark. Think of the Bible as God’s instruction manual. It gives the directions for life. Without those guidelines, abuse is inevitable. When I am ignorant of important principles of life, Satan can easily influence me negatively. This is what happened to the Gentiles after the Flood. Over time the memory of Eden and of God was lost giving Satan free reign to dominate the Gentiles as seen pictorially by this demoniac man living among the dead. Wonderfully, we see Jesus traveling across the lake to rescue this captive man and in so doing he showed what he would do for all Gentiles who would believe. He calls them from death to life.
Immediately on the heels of this picture of the Gentiles’ deliverance we see two types of the progressive resurrection of the Jews.
And it came to pass, that when Jesus returned (to Capernaum, Jewish territory), the people gladly received him: For they were all waiting for him (A good thing to do!). And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: And he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house: For he had a daughter, about twelve years of age (The number twelve, like the vine & the fig always has a picture of Israel imbedded in Bible typology.), and she lay dying. But as he went the people thronged him. And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years, which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, came behind him, and touched the border of his garment: And immediately her issue of blood was stopped. And Jesus said, who touched me? … Somebody has touched me: For I perceive that virtue has gone out of me. And when the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared unto him before all the people for what cause she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: Your faith has made you whole; go in peace. And while he yet spoke, there came one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, your daughter is dead; trouble not the Master. But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, saying, fear not, only believe, and she shall be made whole. And when he came to the house…he took her by the hand, and called, saying, maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway.
Luke 8:40-55 (excerpts; italics added)
Twelve tribes of Israel, twelve apostles, etc. Twelve is Israel’s number. Thus, when the Bible goes out of its way to include information that would otherwise seem superfluous, that being twelve years of bleeding and a twelve-year-old dying girl, we should pay attention what these stories tell of Israel. Indeed, like the woman with the issue of blood, Israel became an outcast after they rejected our Lord. They were excluded from the life of God after their Temple and their nation was destroyed in 70 AD. They were outcasts wandering in the wilderness of the nations of the World. But in 1948, they touched the hem of God’s garment and were healed. Additionally, like Jairus’ daughter, they seemingly died. They were without hope, without life. But along came Jesus. He raised that little girl picturing what he will do in the end of this age for Israel. Today, in our day, Israel is healed, they are the woman no longer bleeding. Soon, they will come back to life spiritually, on that day when they recognize Jesus as Lord and mourn over him whom they have pierced (Zechariah 12:10). Interestingly to me, we are living today in between the prophetic pictures of these three miracles. The Gentiles were first delivered, then the Jews were healed, and now we wait for their spiritual re-birth. Just like the dry bones prophecy of Ezekiel, which we have discussed previously, we are living in the days of prophetic fulfillment. May we have eyes to see!
The True Vine
The Jewish leaders considered themselves, considered Israel, to be God’s vine. Clearly, as we have discussed, the scriptures indicated this to be true. But Jesus, seeing a problem for his disciples, secondary to the rejection, for the most part of their message by the Jews, had a new revelation for his men to consider and to hold tightly to. That being, that he, not Israel, is the True Vine.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman…I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: For without me you can do nothing.
John 15:1, 5
This last of the great “I AM” statements of Jesus found in the gospel of John must have brought much comfort to his disciples over the years after the Savior’s departure back to Heaven. You see, the nation of Israel did not accept Christianity as a legitimate extension of Judaism, even though that is what the early church leaders initially thought would happen. As the progressive revelation of inclusion of the Gentiles was given to the believers by Peter & Paul, it became clear over the decades afterwards that Christianity, that the Way, was going to be a separate entity from Judaism. These words of our Lord, that being that He, not Israel, is the True Vine made it possible for the early believers to disengage from Israel when it became apparent that they were not going to believe the message. As we read the Book of Hebrews, we see this wrestling take place to a great degree. Christ is the better way is the “big idea” of that epistle. He fulfilled the Law, and as such the Old Testament sacrifices the Jews were clinging to were of no effect. In fact, Hebrews soberly preaches that going back to the sacrifices and the works-based mentality of Judaism was to crucify Christ afresh not recognizing that his sacrifice was once & for all time, (Hebrews 6:4-6).
So, as we end our discussion of Jesus’ word to his brothers, the Jews, we are reminded that hard words are sometimes needed to bring us to the place of repentance. Such was certainly the case for the Jewish leaders who had closed themselves down to their Savior who did not appear as they expected. Corporately, we must learn from this. We too, in the Christian church of the 21st Century can get caught up in pharisetical legalism, in religiosity, and miss the simple message of grace given to all by the Lord. We see that indeed, the first became the last in the history of the Church in the 1st Century. Let’s not let that happen to us. Let’s continue to put ourselves last, to humble ourselves and seek only his face. Let’s stay attached to the True Vine. For that is the only place of fruit production which will have eternal and lasting value for us.
But on a personal level, this also holds true. So often, in God’s economy of grace, we see the late comer receiving a blessing out of proportion to his effort or station. Again, this is because grace is not a contract. It’s a gift. As I read in God’s Word, it is clear that the Giver of Gifts does not like murmuring from his kids, & why should he? We don’t like it in our children either! I want to stay away from complaining and just remember how good he has been to me. I want to recognize that every new day is a gift of God’s grace to me. I want to unwrap it, I want to embrace it, I want to savor it!
Summary:
“Blessed is he who shall not be offended in me” implies that we can misunderstand God’s promises as John the Baptist and the Jewish leaders did when things seemingly don’t work out as we feel they should.
The hinge point between experiencing the goodness verses the severity of God swings upon faith.
The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard speaks of God’s grace. It pictures that grace by definition is not determined by our effort. It is unmerited, undeserved favor.
Three ways one can despise the grace of God. Become jealous when it is extended to others. Murmur against it when it is extolled by others. Disrespect it when it is given to you.
The Parable of the Unclean Spirit explains many of the recurring problems we see in our World today. Self-improvement techniques without spiritual transformation is destined to fail!
The Parable of the Great Feast demonstrates three areas in my life which if not prioritized correctly can interfere with my fellowship with the Lord. Possessions, occupation & family.
The Parables of the Vineyard reveal that the Jewish leaders perceived Jesus as a threat to them, not as a Savior for them. They picture that this is a mistake we do not want to make!
The Parable of the Fig Tree given a 2nd chance pictures Jesus’ heart for his countrymen. He longs for them to embrace his sacrifice for them.
Revelation 4:11 teaches that Christ created everything and that all things are for his pleasure. As created beings, our primary purpose is to bring pleasure to the Lord.
The healings of the demonic man, the hemorrhaging woman and Jairus’ daughter illustrate our Lord’s deliverance of both people groups, Gentiles & Jews.
Jesus as the True Vine fulfilled the Old Testament picture of God’s Word first given via Israel, God’s vineyard.
For Further Study:
When reading the Bible and you come across a passage from God which seems harsh & possibly unloving what should you do? How can you judge God’s tone? Hint: See James 3:15-17. If strife & confusion is released in my heart, then I am missing God’s tenor.
What should we do when not understanding God’s plan and ending a sentence about his ways with a question mark?
What are three types from this essay which picture Israel? Hint: Two plants & a number.
How has the Bible paradox that the last shall be first and the first shall be last been fulfilled over the past two thousand years?
What was the sin of the elder son in the Parable of the Prodigal son? What were the factors which led to this sin?
What eternal principle is revealed by the Parable of the Unclean Spirit?
According to Matthew 21:44, why must one respect the Chief Cornerstone?
How many times in the gospels did Jesus curse a fig tree which could not satisfy his hunger with fruit? What does this number picture in Bible typology?
Have any curses in your life been cancelled out by the power of the Cross & Resurrection of Christ?