In this passage, Jesus addresses the presence of tragedy and suffering by discussing two events: the execution of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of a tower in Siloam. He emphasizes that those who suffered were not worse sinners than others, highlighting the importance of repentance for everyone. He then tells a parable about a fig tree that has not produced fruit for three years. The owner wants to cut it down, but the gardener requests more time to care for it and try to help it bear fruit. This story illustrates the themes of mercy, the opportunity for repentance, and the hope for change and growth.
13 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 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?’
8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
summarize the story. short grade 10 answer
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