It’s Time To Fight
LENT DEVOTIONAL 2026 | DAY 25
Luke 13:1–35 (NIV)
By Jabez Fong, Pastoral Associate, Young Adults Ministry
READ:
Luke 13:1-35 (NIV)
As I read the passage, verses 1–9 and 22–30 were particularly significant, focusing on the themes of urgency and intentionality.
Verses 1–9 remind me of the universal need for repentance. Jesus’ own words remind us in these verses that sin is a universal human condition. While not all sin is equal, the reality is that all sin deserves punishment, and the only way to be saved is to repent of it.
The parable of the barren fig tree illustrates it perfectly: a tree that should have borne fruit years ago still did not, and the consequence was destruction. However, the vinedresser requests that the tree be given another year to bear fruit, if it is able.
As I read these words, I found myself reflecting on how faithful and merciful God is to us. Instead of judgement when we inevitably fall, judgement is deferred in the hope that some may come to repentance within the time
they have left. Yet the final verse in this section is a sober warning—that judgement nonetheless looms on the horizon. Repentance, therefore, is urgent: repent today!
In verses 22–30, the word that caught my eye was “strive”, which in Greek implies a fight or a struggle, with all the determination and grit that is necessary to win a contest. Christians are therefore called to struggle; to fight with every fibre of our being, to enter through the narrow road which leads to salvation.
As I read on, verses 26–27 evidence that the road is indeed narrow. I confess that when I was younger, I believed that saying the sinner’s prayer was sufficient for salvation, and that coming to the Lord’s table every month was sufficient for my salvation. Yet here, Jesus states explicitly that sharing a meal with him and hearing his words do not guarantee salvation.
No, salvation entails a struggle. In an age when I am often lulled into complacency and comfort, I am reminded that I must strive to be faithful. And yet my comfort is that even as I strive, I know that I am not alone—because it is Christ who advocates for me, and who empowers me.
[ Reflection Questions ]
- Do you ever compare yourself to others and take comfort in the fact that you seem to be ‘holier’ than they are? What would Jesus say to you about that?
- Where in your life is Jesus giving you more time and opportunity to bear fruit? Are you responding to His grace?
- Are you spiritually complacent, and do you assume that your association with Jesus will save you? Or are you fighting daily to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus?
