This morning, we continue our series on “The Parables of Jesus.” We will seek to glean “Pearls from the Parables.”
Before we get to the parable, let’s look at a scripture we have been looking at all year. This is something I believe the Lord wants us to meditate on.
(Psalm 126:4 TPT)
Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory! May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again.
This is a season of refreshing and restoring for us.
(Luke 13:6-9 NKJV)
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.
7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’
8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also until I dig around it and fertilize it.
9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that, you can cut it down.’ “
Today, I will introduce you to this parable. We will then break it down in the days to come.
So, what does this mean for you today? A few things.
1. Summaries from Bible commentaries.
I don’t normally look at Bible commentaries when I am preparing Today’s Word, but I will led to do so for this parable. Here is a summary of what some of the commentaries say concerning this passage:
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers:
— The vineyard in the parabolic language of Scripture is a symbol of Israel. The owner of the vineyard represents God, while the fig-tree stands for individual souls that inherit a place in the divine order.
— The “three years” represent the full opportunities given to individuals, symbolizing calls to repentance and conversion at different life stages.
— The dresser of the vineyard is interpreted as the Lord Jesus Himself, who intercedes for the nation and each individual.
MacLaren’s Expositions:
— The parable is seen as an acted symbol representing Israel in its fruitlessness and its consequent barrenness for all time.
— The parable underscores the idea that God’s patience has limits, and there will be consequences for continued unfruitfulness.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers:
— The parable is closely connected with the previous teaching, emphasizing the danger of perishing unless one repents.
— The “three years” symbolize the full opportunities given to people, representing calls to repentance during different stages of life.
— The dresser of the vineyard represents Jesus, who intercedes for the nation and each individual.
Benson Commentary:
— The parable is meant to awaken people to deep and serious repentance.
— The fig-tree in the vineyard represents the Jewish Church, but it can also apply to all who are part of the visible Church.
— The “three years” might not be strict but represent some extended time of God’s patience.
— The parable warns that God’s patience has an end, and those who remain unfruitful will face judgment.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary:
— The parable refers primarily to the Jewish nation but can also apply to all within the visible Church.
— God expects fruitfulness, and those who don’t bear fruit will face consequences.
— The parable emphasizes the importance of repentance and the danger of God’s judgment.
Barnes’ Notes on the Bible:
— The fig tree represents Israel, and the vineyard is a place chosen for its fertility.
— The parable teaches about God’s patience and the expectation of fruitfulness.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary:
— The fig tree represents Israel, and the vineyard symbolizes a fertile spot chosen for fruit-bearing.
— The parable emphasizes God’s expectation of fruitfulness and the consequences of being unfruitful.
Matthew Poole’s Commentary:
— The parable can apply to the Jewish nation and all mankind, especially those within the Church.
— God expects fruits of repentance and faith from those in His vineyard.
— The “three years” might represent the duration of God’s patience.
— The parable warns of the consequences of remaining unfruitful.
Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible**:
— The parable illustrates God’s patience towards the Jewish nation and their unfruitfulness.
— It warns of the danger of destruction if there’s no repentance.
2. What the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree means to us today (an introduction).
Parables are natural stories with supernatural meanings. The parable of the barren fig tree, found in Luke 13:6-9, is short, but we can glean a great deal from it if we take our time to consider what Jesus was saying.
The parable is set within a vineyard, a symbol often used in scripture to represent Israel. The owner of the vineyard also owned a fig tree. He planted the fig tree (which was his) in a vineyard, which was also his. This is not normal. Fig trees grow in orchards. Grapes grow in vineyards. Over the next few days, I will break down this parable and give you direct, practical application for your life today.
The location of the tree did not change the expectations of the owner. He expected it to produce fruit. It did not. Year after year, the tree remained barren despite being planted in fertile ground and receiving care.
The “three years” of fruitlessness can be seen as a symbolic representation of ample opportunities and time given for repentance and righteousness. It’s a period that signifies God’s enduring patience and His hope for transformation.
Yet, patience has its limits. The owner’s initial reaction to cut down the tree underscores the impending judgment and consequences of continuous unfruitfulness. However, the vinedresser, representing Jesus, intercedes, asking for more time to nurture and care for the tree, emphasizing God’s mercy and the possibility of redemption.
The parable concludes without revealing the tree’s fate, leaving us in suspense. This is vague for a reason. It serves as a call to action for us, urging us to bear fruit before it’s too late.
Here are a few key takeaways I will highlight today:
(a) God’s Expectation:
— Just as the owner of the vineyard expects the fig tree to bear fruit, God expects His people to produce fruits of righteousness, reflecting their relationship with Him.
— We just spent weeks studying the parable of the talents. We saw there that God expects us to make the most of what He has given us.
— God expects our lives to produce fruit.
— If your life is not producing fruit, you need to check your heart and make some changes because judgment day is coming!
— Like the stewards in the parable of the talents, the owner will come back one day, and He will want to settle accounts!
(b) God’s Patience:
— The duration of waiting for the tree to bear fruit underscores God’s immense patience and His desire for all to come to repentance.
— The owner of the tree came looking for fruit and found none. He came back a year later and found none. He came back a third year and found none.
— The fact that He kept coming back, patiently waiting for the production to change, is a symbol of God’s love and patience.
— This parable also teaches us that there will come a day when we have to give account, whether we have changed or not, meaning patience has a limit.
(c) Urgency of the Response:
— In the last parable, I called this the Urgency of the NOW!
— The threat of cutting down the tree serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of remaining unfruitful and the urgency of heeding God’s call.
— Some people say, “Oh, I know Jesus died for me. But I am not ready to give my life to Him. I am too young. I need to have fun first. I can deal with that God stuff later.” The problem with this logic is that no one knows how long they have on this planet. You can be here today and gone TODAY!
— Today is your day to repent and get on the path to your destiny!
(d) Hope and Redemption:
— Thank God for Jesus! He is the vinedresser in the parade.
— The vinedresser intercedes for the barren tree!
— This is a reminder of God’s grace and mercy.
— I appreciate the fact that Jesus is ever-interceding for us. But the parable teaches that even with Jesus’ intercession, there will come a day when the owner of the tree will expect the tree to produce, and if it does not, it will be cut down.
(e) Check Your Heart:
— While the primary context addresses the Jewish nation, the parable’s message is universally applicable, urging both individuals and communities to introspection and transformation.
— You only get one life.
— God plants you where He wants you.
— God then expects you to bloom where you have been planted.
— If you fail to produce fruit, your time on this planet may be cut short because you are wasting the grace God has given you to produce the change He destined you to produce.
— Take a few moments to ponder this. If your life is not producing fruit, you should do two things: 1) thank God for His grace and mercy, and 2) make some changes.
In closing, I know people barely talk about repentance and hell today, but I do not shy away from what the Bible teaches. God loves everyone everywhere, but there are countless people who are loved by God who are also going to hell because they failed to have an encounter with Jesus. Please don’t let this be you. This is also a reminder to share the gospel of Jesus with the lost. If you love someone, you should love them enough to tell them the truth! Jesus is coming back, and when He does, He will settle accounts!
Declaration of Faith:
Father, this is a season of refreshing and restoring for me! I boldly declare:
You have given me ample opportunities to bear fruit in my life.
I am grateful for Jesus, who intercedes on my behalf, showcasing Your mercy and grace.
Father, I understand the urgency of repentance and the consequences of remaining unfruitful.
I repent for the time and grace I have wasted in the past. Those days are over!
I am determined to bloom where You have planted me, making the most of every opportunity.
I reject complacency and embrace the call to bear fruit in every season of my life.
I will not take Your grace for granted. Instead, I will strive to produce fruit that aligns with Your divine purpose for my life.
I am committed to sharing the gospel of Jesus, ensuring that others, too, have an encounter with Him.
I am determined to live a life that is pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of You.
Living with this mindset, I know GREATER IS COMING FOR ME! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
