The Parable of the Empty (Barren) Fig Tree: Luke 13:6-9
by Owen Borville
January 27, 2019
Bible
The parable of the empty or barren fig tree spoken by Jesus in Luke 13:6-9 is a reminder of the mission given to fellow believers on Earth.
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
When Jesus returns to Earth, he wants to find productive servants who have followed his commandments and are making a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven. He is looking for faithful believers who are following the mission of the faith that he founded more than 2,000 years ago. Followers of Jesus follow his commandments to love God and neighbor and to be a great example to others. He is looking for those who are not ashamed to say that they are a follower of Jesus and those who are making an effort to tell others about the faith. Jesus is also warning that those who are not being productive for the faith will be cut off from the Kingdom of Heaven and will not be able to join. Just as the gardener of the vineyard cuts down a fig tree that bears no fruit, the Lord will cut off those who are not true followers in the faith that he established more than two millennia ago. Just as the parable says "Why should it use up the soil," why should God continue to take care for and bless those who do not follow Him and refuse to repent of their sin? Jesus is returning for his true followers. God is also patient and is willing to give some time, as in the parable giving one extra year. In addition, he is willing to take care of the people during this time of leniency. However, the point is that despite God's mercy and leniency, eventually He will judge those will not follow the faith.
by Owen Borville
January 27, 2019
Bible
The parable of the empty or barren fig tree spoken by Jesus in Luke 13:6-9 is a reminder of the mission given to fellow believers on Earth.
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
When Jesus returns to Earth, he wants to find productive servants who have followed his commandments and are making a difference for the Kingdom of Heaven. He is looking for faithful believers who are following the mission of the faith that he founded more than 2,000 years ago. Followers of Jesus follow his commandments to love God and neighbor and to be a great example to others. He is looking for those who are not ashamed to say that they are a follower of Jesus and those who are making an effort to tell others about the faith. Jesus is also warning that those who are not being productive for the faith will be cut off from the Kingdom of Heaven and will not be able to join. Just as the gardener of the vineyard cuts down a fig tree that bears no fruit, the Lord will cut off those who are not true followers in the faith that he established more than two millennia ago. Just as the parable says "Why should it use up the soil," why should God continue to take care for and bless those who do not follow Him and refuse to repent of their sin? Jesus is returning for his true followers. God is also patient and is willing to give some time, as in the parable giving one extra year. In addition, he is willing to take care of the people during this time of leniency. However, the point is that despite God's mercy and leniency, eventually He will judge those will not follow the faith.