The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Luke 13:6-9 NLT
Luke 13:6
Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed.”
The Parable speaks of repentance and impending judgment. The fig tree represents Israel, and it could also be applied to modern day as well. According to scripture, all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Israel had not heeded Christ’s warning to repent and turn to God. They are the fig tree that had borne no fruit. They didn’t surrender to the will of God, so they were cut off, thus allowing the gentiles to be grafted into the vine. Does this mean unproductive believers today will be cut off from God if their trust is not in the Lord? Honestly, it appears that way.
It is clearly shown that God is merciful to Israel by the fact that the man allows one more year for the tree to produce figs. God does not tolerate a lack of productivity from those who call themselves his children. Christianity isn’t a game to be played. It is serious business that involved life and death. Life thru redemption or death due to continued sinful living. John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus, brought the same sentiment to his listeners when he said in Luke 3:9, “Even now the axe of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
In the Old Testament, fruitful tree was often used as a symbol of godly living. Psalm 1:2-3 and Jeremiah 17:7-8 illustrate that: “But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbanks, bearing fruit each season” and “But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In his name & for his glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
Resources: Life Application Study Bible, Tyndale House Publishing, 2007; Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004.
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