3. Pruning and planting
The parables of the fig tree (vv.6–9), mustard seed and yeast (vv.18–20) give us wisdom on how things grow in the kingdom of God. We see when things should be nurtured, when activities should be stopped and when projects should be started.
God is patient, giving as much time as possible for people to repent. In response to the desire to cut the fig tree down, the man gives it one more chance: ‘If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down’ (v.9).
The key is to ‘look for fruit’ (v.6). For example, as we look at the numerous ministries in the church, some are extremely fruitful. Others are less so. The temptation is to cut back on the less fruitful ones straight away. However, Jesus encourages us to be patient: ‘If it bears fruit next year, fine!’ (v.9a). Yet this patience doesn’t last for ever – sometimes the moment will come to stop an unfruitful ministry, to ‘cut it down’ (v.9b).
The parables of the mustard seed (vv.18–19) and of the yeast (v.20) remind us that, while the kingdom of God starts small, over time there is vast potential for growth. When the seed was planted it ‘grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air perched in its branches’ (v.19). This shows the enormous value in planting seeds of the kingdom (church planting included). It also suggests that we need to wait patiently to see this potential fulfilled.
4. Knowing when to confront
Personally, I find confrontation extremely difficult. Jesus had the wisdom of knowing when to confront. He exposed the hypocrisy and double standards of those who criticised him for healing a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years, simply because he did so on the Sabbath. He reminds them of the importance of compassion over legalism. If that is a principle they follow in caring for animals, how much more should they follow it in caring for people (vv.15–16)!
Jesus’ answer was brilliantly wise. It ‘delighted’ the people (v.17).
5. Turning to Jesus
When someone asks Jesus a question: ‘Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?’ (v.23), he gives an intensely practical answer. He says, ‘Make every effort to enter through the narrow door’ (v.24). In other words, don’t focus first on others, but make sure you yourself have entered the kingdom of God. You cannot know about everybody else but you can be sure about yourself.
In this parable, many find themselves unable to enter the house, which represents the kingdom of God. The reason for this is because of the lack of a personal relationship with Jesus. Twice the owner of the house, who represents Jesus, says to those shut out of his house, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from’ (vv.25,27). Being part of God’s kingdom is all about turning to and knowing Jesus.
It appears that some who expected to be included are excluded, but it also appears that more people will get in than expected: ‘People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast of the kingdom of God’ (v.29). Turning to and following Jesus is the wise thing to do, even if it feels like we are in a minority.
Lord, I pray for wisdom today in all the conversations that I have and all the decisions I make. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and give me the wisdom of Jesus.