"let it alone this year also..." (Luke 13:1–9) | 3rd Sunday in Lent | Bible Verse Graphic w/ James Tissot
Third Sunday in Lent (Series C)
Luke 13:1–9
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ” (ESV)
6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ” (ESV)
Commentary
In our Gospel reading, Jesus shows that the tragedies of this world neither give us room to posture nor postulate, but rather remind us all to repent lest we all likewise perish. Soon after, Jesus tells this wonderful parable of His mercy and patience to give us everything we need to produce fruit in abundance. For Christ has taken the judgment for our sin on the cross in order to bring forgiveness, life, and salvation!
Image: Graphic design using:
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Vine Dresser and the Fig Tree (Le vigneron et le figuier), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 5 3/4 x 7 5/8 in. (14.6 x 19.4 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.82 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.82_PS2.jpg)
For those who are unaware, James Tissot created a wonderful collection of watercolor Bible illustrations called "The Life of Our Lord Jesus Christ (La Vie de Notre-Seigneur Jésus-Christ)" purchased by public subscription and available through the Brooklyn Museum.
Note: While you can see the paintings on Wikipedia, the high resolution images and full credit information are found on the museum's website. To browse through the collection, follow the link below, and click on "Objects."
https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/opencollection/exhibitions/3207
