A Year in Luke/ActsNäide

Jesus calls people to repent. He desperately wants them to turn from the path they are on and choose a better way.

The parable of the fig tree further highlights the point Jesus is making. His message was not just a matter of personal salvation, but for Israel as a whole. They are being given a chance to remain in the Vine, to use John’s language. If not, the tree is going to be cut down.

This has been interpreted in various ways, especially in relation to the Jews, but it is important to set this image in the context of Jesus’ whole message and ministry in the gospel. Jesus is not coming and choosing between people, he is announcing that salvation is available to anyone who will repent and receive it. Both Jew and Gentile are made one in Jesus. Let’s not forget that all of his first followers were Jewish. The warnings Jesus gives are to bring people into the kingdom of God.