A Sermon Summary
By David Hentschel
Embarking on a journey of real change is akin to setting foot on a narrow path—one that demands our full commitment and unwavering resolve. In my recent sermon based on Luke 13, we delved into the urgency of embracing transformation and wholeheartedly following Jesus. Through three significant moments in this passage—The Sparing of the Fig Tree, The Loosing of the Woman, and The Weeping of the Savior—we gleaned profound insights into the call to change.
The Call to True Repentance
In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus underscores the necessity of true repentance. Jonathan Edwards, a notable theologian, distinguished between two kinds of repentance. The first, the repentance of Attrition, is motivated by a fear of punishment—a shallow remorse driven by a desire to escape consequences. This form of repentance falls short of true salvation.
True repentance, on the other hand, involves a change of heart and a change of life—the repentance of Contrition. It is characterized by a brokenness over sin, a genuine sorrow for having offended God. Edwards aptly noted that this godly sorrow leads to reconciliation with God.
For those unsure of their repentance, Edwards advised continued attendance at church and exposure to the Word of God. Through the ministry of the Word, hearts are softened, and true repentance blossoms, leading to a life transformed by the grace of God.
The Sparing of the Fig Tree
As I expounded on the parable of the fig tree, we contemplated the patience and mercy of the vineyard owner—a reflection of God’s enduring grace towards us. Just as the barren fig tree received time to bear fruit, God extends to us the opportunity for repentance and transformation. However, this grace is not without expectation. I emphasized the imperative of genuine change, urging us to seize the moment before it slips away. Like the fig tree, our lives must yield fruit—a tangible expression of our commitment to the narrow way of following Jesus. There are three crucial components to biblical change: 1) We dig around 2) We fertilize and 3) We give it time. These three ingredients are present as God does his work of spiritual formation in all of us.
We also discussed that this fig tree was not merely an individual image, but also a national symbol for the nation of Israel in the first century, without fruit and urgently being warned of it being “cut down.” More on this below, in the story about the woman being loosed…
The Loosing of the Woman
In the poignant encounter with the bent-over woman, we witnessed Jesus’ compassion and power to set captives free. I highlighted Jesus’ ability not only to release physical bondage but also to liberate us from spiritual chains. This narrative underscored the transformative power of encountering Jesus—a power that enables us to stand upright, no longer burdened by sin and shame. I urged the congregation to allow Jesus to loosen the chains that bind them, embracing His transformative grace with humility and gratitude. This is the beginning of change. However, this was not the path taken by the religious leaders of the first century. The Jewish synagogue leader scolded the woman for coming for healing on the Sabbath, and Jesus rebukes him for his hypocrisy. This is why Israel was like a tree which needed to be cut down.
The Weeping of the Savior
Perhaps the most poignant moment in Luke 13 is Jesus’ tears over Jerusalem—a reflection of God’s heartache over humanity’s resistance to change. I drew attention to the Savior’s sorrow, lamenting the missed opportunity for repentance and reconciliation. His tears served as a solemn reminder of the urgency of embracing transformation before it’s too late. I emphasized that the call to change is not a mere suggestion but a matter of eternal significance. We have time, but not unlimited time—to delay is to risk missing the narrow way altogether.
As we conclude, let us heed the call to true repentance and embrace the urgency of change. May our hearts be softened, and our lives transformed, as we wholeheartedly follow Jesus on the narrow way.
