"Cut Down the Tree?!?" - Luke 13:1-9

In Luke 13, Jesus tells the parable of a man who planted a fig tree.  After three years he returns looking for fruit and finds none.  He tells his gardener to cut the tree down for failing to produce fruit, but the gardener begged for another year to care for it before cutting it down.  The owner agreed.  

If we dare to imagine ourselves as the trees in the parable, Jesus is telling us that it's time for us to bear fruit of one created and tended to by the Holy.  This parable comes directly after his audience has asked if the suffering of others was the result of their sinfulness?  No!  Jesus tells them what happens to others is not because of their own sin, but perhaps you should spend more time concerned about yourself and what you are creating.  Once again, we are guided to look inward and be willing to change those parts of us that are not bearing good fruit for ourselves or others.  

Worship with us this Sunday as we seek to be a community that supports one another in the hard work of looking inward as we journey on to the cross this Lenten season.  

God Bless, Pastor Shannon Smith