Jesus leaves us hanging. Does the tree improve? Does the owner of the vineyard even grant the vinedresser another year? Or does the tree finally get the ax?
While it is true Jesus was much more than a teacher, it is equally true that He was nothing less, which suggests a sermon on this text might explore Jesus’ teaching ministry; both then and now.
If Jesus can rise from the dead, then a camel can go through the eye of needle, a rich man can find a place in the reign of God, you and I can be forgiven.
Jesus looks into our hearts. He sees our hang-ups. He sees the temptations that keep us from following him. He sees our shortcomings, our sin, and our self-inflation. He does not turn His eyes away from us.