Introduction: In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus warns murderers of animals that unless they repent, they will perish like the Galileans whose blood Pilate has mixed with their sacrifices, or they will be cut down by God just like a fig tree which fails to bear fruits.
Below please find my paraphrase of Pastor Frank Kaufman’s 2019/03/24 sermon, “Animal Exploitation Needs Repentance”:-
Jesus teaches about the necessity of repentance from a unique angle, emphasizing that true repentance leads to the eradication of all corruption on earth and brings genuine peace.
I. Both Pilate and the Galileans were Murderers
At that time, some people informed Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. (Luke 13:1)
We should recognize two sinful actions here: Pilate's murder of humans and the Galileans' murder of animals, both of which go against God's heavenly will and require repentance, ideally avoiding such actions in the first place.
II. Repent or Perish!
Jesus responded, "Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans because they suffered this fate?" (Luke 13:2)
Jesus questions the people, who live according to this corrupt world's ways, about others' sinful actions.
It's crucial to understand that these events are not in line with God's heavenly will, and Jesus redirects them towards the right path.
"No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:3)
"Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem?" (Luke 13:4)
"No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)
Jesus emphasizes that as long as we live in this corrupt world, we need to repent because some corruption affects us, no matter how much we strive to live according to God's will. As Paul says, all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
The message of today's sermon, "Animal Exploitation Needs Repentance," highlights just one facet of this global issue.
III. The Parable of the Fig Tree
Let's examine the parable Jesus told and consider its message in relation to our discussion on repentance.
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.” (Luke 13:6)
Think of this parable as illustrating God planting each of us (fig trees) on earth, expecting us to bear the fruit of heavenly living on earth as it is in heaven, applying this concept to all aspects of our lives.
IV. Fruitless Fig Trees will be Cut Down!
So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, “For three years now I've been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven't found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?” (Luke 13:7)
This reflects how God views us when we fail to live according to His heavenly will on earth. Since much of this ungodliness involves the exploitation of animals, we believe that repentance from any form of animal exploitation is necessary.
V. One Last Chance
"‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, until I can dig around it and add fertilizer; (Luke 13:8)
if it produces fruit next year, great; if not, then cut it down.'"(Luke 13:9)
VI. Go Vegan and Be Nurtured by the Holy Spirit
Today, we must remember that the Holy Spirit has been nurturing us, much like ethical vegans and peacemaking children of God have been bearing witness. However, few people respond, leading us to believe that these profane individuals (fig trees) risk being cut off by God.
This Article’s Link: https://www.hkbnews.net/post/you-animal-abusers-repent-or-perish-warns-jesus-ed-dr-chapman-chen-1
Note: The bible verses above are my paraphrase of NASB
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