| Luke 13:1-9 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them– do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” 6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted 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.’”
I. Context of the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree a. Spoken by Jesus in response to his disciples, who asked a theological question based on a historical incident i. Those Galileans who died, was that God punishing them because they were worse sinner? b. Jesus says no and redirects their thinking to an eternal perishing—but unless you repent, you will likewise perish c. Meant to be taken as a warning
II. The Parable a. Probable that original hearers would understand this as a warning to Israel as well as an individual warning b. Fruit represents the good works in a believer’s life c. Is Jesus saying you’re saved by your good works (your fruit)? No i. Bearing fruit reflects a life of repentance—repentance is an aspect of authentic faith ii. You can call yourself a Christian, but if you’re not seeking to live a life faithful to Christ’s teachings, you’re not a Christian iii. Consider Galatians 5:22-23—fruit of the Spirit d. Cutting down the fig tree represents God’s judgment e. V. 8—leave it alone for one more year—shows God’s patience for us—but don’t abuse that patience because you don’t know when your time is up (consider 2 Peter 3:9-12)
III. Consider a. Are you guilty of a dead faith? (consider James 2:14-19) b. Do you have a real faith that is lived out in a fruitful life? c. Are you producing fruit for God’s Kingdom? Have you had a Christ-like influence on: your neighbors, co-workers, spouse, children, etc. d. Are you exhibiting love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? |
