Unless you repent, you will perish. (vv. 1-5) The apostle paul said in his letter to the Romans 6 v 23 that the wages for sin is death but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. We often hear of bad things happening to people. Some people have it much worse than others. However, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and all die. Death comes to everyone. Death and especially tragic death should cause us to turn toward the Lord in repentance.
Jesus told a parable about a fig tree that did not bear fruit. (vv. 6-9) We have only so many years to bear fruit, keeping with repentance. Some have more years than others but there is a time limit on all human life. Eventually, you will be cut down, regardless of how great that you think that you are. Repent and believe in Jesus Christ before it is to late.
Jesus exposed the contradiction between taking care of animals on the Sabbath and healing ones neighbor. (vv. 10-17) Legalism is always contradictory. It seeks to oppress the other person while seeking ones own good. The contradiction of taking care of ones animals but not ones neighbor on the Sabbath, exposes the selfishness in the heart of man. Is it good to take care of ones animals? Yes, of course it is good. However, they were using the Sabbath as an excuse for not taking care of their neighbor. We should not use the things of God as an excuse for not doing what is right.
Jesus compared the growth of the kingdom of God with a mustard seed that grows and becomes a large garden plant and also leaven in a batch of bread. (vv. 18-21) The gospel began in a very small part of the world. Jesus spent his entire earthly life on a small strip of land on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean sea. Yet the gospel overtook the Roman Empire and has spread throughout the entire world.
Now is the time to enter the kingdom of God but a time is coming when the owner will shut the door and let no one enter anymore. (vv. 22-30) Everyone has limited time to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (Jn 14 v 6) Jesus is the narrow gate: “I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (Jn 10 v 9) Everyone has limited time to enter and there will be no provision made for entering later.
Jesus was journeying to Jerusalem and nothing or no one would hinder him from his journey. (vv. 31-35) Nothing or no one could stop Jesus from his journey to Jerusalem. He was headed to Jerusalem to die on the cross for our sins at the right time. All was being orchestrated by God and all was on God’s time. The power of man is limited, even when he thinks he is in charge.
