You shall likewise perish

Aaron Cummings adds some thoughts on Luke 13 to my earlier post in which I quoted Jonathan Edwards’s interpretation of Jesus’ warning that “you shall all likewise perish.” The rest of the post is from Aaron.

You noted parallels in vv 1-4. The next section (vv 5-17) likewise has some parallels that build upon this section. Regarding vv 1-4, the Galileans slain by Pilate correspond to the 18 slain by the tower. The dead Galileans are not worse sinners than other Galileans, just as the 18 are not worse sinners than other Jerusalemites. As you point out, this is a warning. But the warning continues on the parable of the fig tree (vv 5-10) and the weak-spirited woman ( pneuma asthenias ; vv. 11-17).

The fruitless fig tree corresponds to the weak-spirited woman.

The merciful vinedresser corresponds to Jesus.

The manure corresponds to the healing.

Notable, the woman has had this weak spirit for 18 years, which points us back to the tower of Siloam. The tower crushed 18 Jerusalemites, just as Satan has “crushed” this woman for 18 years. The woman is the symbol of the effect of sin on Jerusalem (after all she has a weak-Spirit, not a demon; she is bound by weakness, not wickedness). She is no worse a sinner than others, but Satan has bound her. Jesus will loose her to see if she will now bear fruit. The ruler of the synagogue chastises Jesus for this work, and Jesus responds with reference to agriculture (loosing an ox), strengthening the fig-tree allusion.

In symbolic actions, Jesus is showing that He can undo the calamity worked by Pilate and the Tower. With the calamity undone, He expects new fruitfulness. But will He find it as He preaches His kingdom?