THE PARABLES OF JESUS

 

Parable of the barren fig tree

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree  is a parable of Jesus which appears in only one of the Canonical gospels of the New Testament. According to Luke 13:6-9 the parable is about a fig tree which does not produce fruit.

 The parable is as follows:

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. Luke 13:6–9


In this parable, the owner is generally regarded as representing God, who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard (the earth) and came seeking fruit (faith and righteous works, which would be represented in part by repentance and baptism) and the gardener (vinedresser) Jesus. Fig trees were often planted in vineyards.

The favorable position in which the fig tree was placed

• The fig tree
• In a vineyard, not on some neglected waste ground
• Advantages of care, skills, etc.
• The church
• Called out of the world into the church
• Knowledge of the gospel
• Promises of the New Covenant
• Grace and influence of the Holy Spirit

The expectations of the proprietor

• The proprietor
• Seeking fruit
• Increase under cultivation
• God's expectations of the Jews
• More wise
• More holy
• More obedient
• God's expectations of the church
• Hearts yield the fruits of holy graces
• Lips yield the fruit of thanksgiving and praise
• Fruits of obedience in life



What the Gardener Expected

• Fruits of usefulness in service of God

 The proprietor's disappointment

• Had sought fruit year after year, to no avail
• A tree not yielding fruit for three years is considered barren
• It might be strong and green, but it was barren
• This applied to the Jewish nation
• This may apply to the church

The proprietor's decision "Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?" Not a hasty decision Three years of care, labor, and patience God was patient with the Jewish nation God is patient with the church Not an unreasonable decision It took up nutrients from the soil but produced nothing in return So it was with the Jewish nation So it is with some of the churches The vineyard keeper's request "Leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down." A suspended sentence Help given Fertilization Care Willingness to obey the proprietor -- Intercession Application of the parable Let the subject lead to serious self-examination In the vineyard of the Lord, am I a fruitful tree or a barren one? Let the legalists be awakened to a deep concern for his soul's salvation Let everyone remember the eventual end of life, glorify God and obtain eternal blessedness

 

Parable of the barren fig tree