October 27, 2018

1^STPOINT OF JESUS’ REMARKS ++++++++++++++++++

Ø There are 3 lessons tucked into today’s Gospel

Ø 1^st, bad things just happen & J refers to 2 incidents:

Ø 1 where Roman ruler put to death many Jews, insulting them by mixing their blood w/ blood of animals used in pagan sacrifices

Ø Other where a building collapsed & killed people

Ø He’s saying victims of events weren’t < sinful

Ø Recall a similar “bad thing” that’s happened to you. What is Jesus saying to U about that?

2^NDPOINT OF JESUS’ REMARKS ++++++++++++++++++

Ø That leads to his 2^ndpoint

Ø We shouldn’t consider selves better than others

Ø We are all imperfect. All in need or repentance

Ø Just yesterday someone spoke to me in a rather self-righteous way about voting this year

Ø He was looking down on those who were not going to vote the way he thinks is right

Ø That is the attitude Jesus tells us not to have

Ø We are not better than the next guy. We’re all human and in need of growth; we can all be wrong

Ø When have a done the same?

3^RDPOINT OF JESUS’ REMARKS ++++++++++++++++++

Ø And Jesus’ 3^rdlesson is that God is patient

Ø He uses the image of a seemingly dead fig tree

Ø Palestine land was at a premium & folks would cut down a tree that wasn’t bearing fruit, taking space

Ø J’s statement of giving it time was surprising; he’s saying G’s patient, giving us a lifetime of time

Ø We must one day give an accounting, but till then, looking us with generous and hopeful eyes, G’s patient w/ opps 2 grow & embrace his way

Ø Are we able to see beneath our unpromising weaknesses the faint signs of new life that may be there?

CONCLUSION ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø 3 powerful, applicable lessons tucked into a brief passage this morning

Ø Truly good news, one and all!

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