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2. Luke 13:6-9 The Parable Of The Barren Fig Tree

3. Setting  Toward close of The Judean Ministry  Still approx. 6 months to crucifixion  Jesus’ final words in Judea were ones of great lament re: her future Lk 13:34-35  They had already been warned Mt 3:10 The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

4. Setting  Jesus addresses the multitudes re:  His 2nd coming 12:35-40  Their need for preparedness 12:42-48  Their hypocrisy 12:54-59  Their misguided views re: repentance 13:1-5 The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

5. The Parable  A vineyard owner comes looking for fruit from a fig tree he planted  He has come for 3 years…unsuccessful  Finding none, he orders the vinedresser to cut it down  The tree is only taking up valuable space The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

6. The Parable  The vinedresser suggests he be allowed to nurture the tree for 1 more year  Dig around it…provide fertilizer, etc.  If it produces fruit, fine  If not, then it would be cut down The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

7. Parable Particulars  Vineyard owner  Vinedresser (keeper)  Barren fig tree The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9 God Jesus Jews

8. The Application  A “planted” tree v. 6  Not a tree growing in the wild somewhere  A nurtured tree receiving great care  A tree planted with a purpose  Represents God’s view of the Jews Isa 5:1-7 Rom 3:1-2 The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

9. The Application  Is “three years” significant? v. 7a  Some say “No”…just a minor detail  Some say “Yes”…given overall context  Jesus ministry among the Jews = 3 yrs  No doubt, He expected to have seen fruit by this time The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

10. The Application  Is “three years” significant? v. 7a  Some say “Yes”…given overall context  Context emphasizes the importance of following Him 13:24-30  Context concludes with a lament over the Jews’ failure 13:34-35 The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

11. The Application  The decision? “Cut it down” v. 7b  A decisive, final act (complete removal)  Similar to earlier warnings Mt 3:10 7:19  More than unfruitful…it was “hindering”  What otherwise might grow in such a choice spot could not because of the tree The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9 JudeaGalilee

12. The Application  The decision? “Cut it down” v. 7b  A decisive, final act (complete removal)  Similar to earlier warnings Mt 3:10 7:19  More than unfruitful…it was “hindering”  Descriptive of the Jews Rom 2:24 Mt 23:13, 15 Acts 13:42-45, 48-50 The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9 JudeaGalilee

13. The Application  The vinedresser’s “intercession” vv. 8-9  The vinedresser’s suggestion is not meant to pit him against the owner’s decision (that they are not in agreement)  It is meant to petition the owner’s patience…show the vinedresser’s concern The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

14. The Application  The vinedresser’s “intercession” vv. 8-9  Jesus’ coming = ultimate manifestation of an advocate pleading the case of those in danger of judgment Rom 8:34 1 Tim 2:5 Heb 7:25 1 Jn 2:1b The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

15. The Application  The basis for judgment  Judgment not on appearance, intentions [What about the “road to hell?”]  Judgment is based on bearing fruit  There are Divine expectations vv. 6-7 cp. Lk 12:48 The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

16. The Application  Notice the fate of the fig tree is left unresolved in the parable  Grace produces opportunity…outcome?  The same can be said for us today  Is not the “axe laid at the root” for us?  How much borrowed time is left for us? The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

17. The Application  A “comforting” parable  The goodness of God is shown to be patient toward those who are unfruitful  Also a “sobering” parable  It sounds an ominous warning…fruitless behavior will lead to certain judgment The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

18. The Lesson  Am I bearing fruit?  God has “planted me” in a choice place  He is expecting to find fruit in my life  Am I aware of the potential danger?  I cannot continue to presume God will keep giving me time The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13:6-9

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