Parable of the Barren Fig Tree: Luke 13:6-9
Throughout the Bible we find references to fig trees; beginning in Genesis, Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover their shame and guilt, in Numbers and Deuteronomy they were signs of prosperity, and healing (Is. 38:21). Several Old Testament parables use fig trees in their prophetic stories (Judges and Jeremiah) since they’re word pictures of judgment (Nahum), punishment (Hosea), but also love (Song of Songs) and protection (Zechariah). God considers the fig tree an important analogy.
Jesus used fig trees to make His case in Matt. 7 instructing His followers to identify a tree by it’s fruit; ‘thornbushes don’t grow figs’. He warned that every tree (person), lacking good fruit (works) is destined to be chopped down and thrown into fire: you can identify people by their actions (NLT). Luke 6 adds that both good and evil begin in our heart and come out our mouth. Yikes!
The barren fig tree is part of a long discourse of Jesus’ parables by the Sea of Galilee and fits within the flow of His teachings. After receiving a news report about a tragedy (Luke 13:1-5) the disciples questioned if those involved were ‘worse sinners’; Jesus’ answer was direct. Anyone who hasn’t repented will be judged; there’s no ‘worse’ sinner, we’re all sinners and the remedy is the same.
The Lord used this fig tree parable (lower story) to assure believers of His patient love, however, He expects fruit in our lives. Here’s the story. An orchard’s owner checked for fruit on his fig trees but found none. Being frustrated he told the gardener he’d waited three years for the sweet figs and it hasn’t produced, so throw it out! The gardener, loving the orchard he cared for and protected, begged him for one more year to cultivate and fertilize, then, if there’s no fruit, he can cut it down. What’s the upper story? Consider this: God is the owner, Creator of the orchard, and Jesus is the loving Gardener. His ministry was to reveal our sinful nature and offer us a new nature, one free of shame and guilt, however, that takes repentance. Jesus pleaded for more time to soften and cultivate our hearts so fruit can grow. What kind of fruit? Beginning with the fruit of repentance (Matt. 3), righteousness (2 Cor. 9:10), holiness (Rom. 6-7), and thankfulness (Heb. 13:15); that’s the fruit He’s looking for. Paul called it ‘fruit of the Spirit’ that grows when we turn from the desires of the flesh. Another great analogy.
Later, Jesus cursed a fig tree with only leaves (Matt. 21); He’s not looking for an outward appearance of righteousness but inward transformation of the heart. Faith is not showy on the outside like leaves but powerful on the inside leading others to Christ. This parable encourages us to remember His patient love, faithful care, and powerful intercession for us; so go out, be fruitful, and multiply reproducing followers of Christ!
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