Luke 12:49-13:9.  Jesus knew not only that he was going to suffer a violent baptism (the cross), but also that the entire generation in which he lived would be under judgment. That generation would be torn apart by division among families. Neighbors would send each other to debtor’s prison over cases that could be settled.  Tragic events like Pilate’s killing of the Galileans and the fall of the tower in Siloam would become commonplace.  Jesus knew why these things would happen, but that generation did not. They could not interpret the time. Jesus knew that there was a fruitless fig tree in the vineyard of Israel. Unless that generation repented of its rebellion against him, that generation would be cut down.

LORD, may we repent, reconcile, and bear fruit for your kingdom before it is too late.