The Parable of the Fig Tree
The first five verses explain beyond any doubt that there are no degrees of sin.
Word was brought to Jesus of some Galileans who had been killed by Pilate, the
Roman Governor. These Galileans were probably followers of Judas of Galilee who
disowned Caesar's authority and refused to pay tribute to him. The Galileans were
under King Herod's authority and it was probably this outrage committed by Pilate
that occasioned the quarrel between the King and Pilate and recorded for us in
Ch. 23:12. These Galileans had probably gone to Gerizim to make sacrifices and
may have prepared the sacrifices "unlawfully" themselves when they were
caught. Thus they were killed and their blood mingled with their sacrifices.
The killing of the Galileans and the killing of 18 people at the Pool of Siloam
when the Tower of Siloam, which was located near by, fell upon them, was used by
Jesus as an opportunity to debunk the belief of the time that there was degrees of
sin. To those present He said, "These Galileans and the 18 killed by the Tower
of Siloam, were no greater sinners than you are." "Except you repent you shall
likewise perish."
We can only guess why word of the killing of the Galileans was brought to Him at
this time. Four suggestions are made:
- Since Jesus and most of His Disciples were Galileans, those who
brought the news probably thought that they would be interested.
- Perhaps it was an act of Providence and intended to confirm what
Jesus had said in the preceding chapter concerning making peace
with the Lord before it was to late.
- Perhaps they sought to "stir" Him up, Him being a Galilean, that He
might use His powers to seek revenge.
- Perhaps it was done to persuade Him not to go up to Jerusalem.
Whatever the reason for telling Jesus about this killing, Jesus used it for an
opportunity to teach the fact that all had sinned and that all were in need of
salvation. "Except you repent, you shall likewise perish." Notice what this
intimates:
- That we all deserve to perish as much as they did and had we been
dealt with according to our sins, our blood would have long sense
been mingled with our "sacrifices".
- That, therefore, we are all in need of repentance. The judgments of
God upon others are loud calls to us to repent.
- That repentance is the way to escape perishing.
- That even the city of Jerusalem was called to repent, which it did
not, thus the walls of that city fell and many were killed like
those under the Tower of Siloam in 70 BC. when the Romans destroyed
the city.
- That those who have been most harsh of the sins of others, shall
suffer most if they do not repent.
Verses 6 thru 9 tell us of a parable that Jesus spoke. This is a story of a
"second chance". For three years the fig tree bore no fruit. So the owner said to
the keeper of the orchard, cut it down. But the keeper of the orchard asked the
owner to give it one more chance and if it did not bear fruit the next year, then
he would cut it down.
This parable was a warning to the people, to empress upon them the meaning and need
for repentance. Notice:
- This was directed toward the Jew. God had cared for them just
as the owner had cared for the fig tree. He expected fruit
from his labor. God would have accepted obedience, phrase,
and honor as fruit for His labor, but they disappointed Him.
- This can also be directed to the Christian, in whom God has
invested much by means of Grace. We too, are expect to bare
fruit.
Notice the following five points:
- The fig tree had been planted in a vineyard. So what? It was
planted where it had better soil then it normally would have
had, had it been planted in a fig tree orchard. The vineyards
received better care that the orchards. It had been especially
chosen for this. Like the fig tree, we are especially chosen.
"He has not dealt with us as He has others." We, by our chosen
place, have a place in the visible Church.
- Because of the special treatment, the owner expected much fruit
from this tree. He did not send someone to observe the tree,
he came himself. The leaves would not suffice. The beautiful
blossoms would not suffice. He expected to find fruit in season.
He was not unreasonable, he allowed it was still young and came
back three years in a row. Not much is expect from "babes in
Christ, but those who mature in study and service must produce
fruit as God gives you the opportunity and the ability.
- Notice he did not expect a bumper crop, he looked carefully, he
could not find one fig. It had enjoyed all the care and
nourishment but it did not bare one fig. Many Christians
enjoy the week after week, year after year, the nourishment
of the Gospel, and show no evidence that they bares any fruit.
- The judgment that was passed upon it. "Cut it down." The "dresser
of the vineyard", the "keeper of the orchard", the one upon whom
the responsibility fell to deliver the judgment of the owner,
he was faced with a decision. He had spent a great deal of time
and care on this fig tree, would perhaps another year be all it
needed.
- Notice the "dresser's intercession for it. We to have One who
intercedes for us. Notice what he asked for, "Lord, let it
alone this year also." Give it one more year. Let me cultivate
around it. Let me put nourishment in the soil around it. Let
it have another chance to bear fruit.
- Notice how the owner leaves it. "Let us give it another try."
"If it bears fruit, all will be well." "If it does not, it will
be cut down." Notice even the dresser agrees, if it does not
bear fruit next year, he will be more than happy to cut it down
for he had spent much time and effort in its behalf, he to expected
some fruits from his labor.
The application of this parable for us is to those who have been enlightened by the
Holy Spirit, who know that they are sinners, who have received the nourishment of
the Gospel and the prayers and words of encouragement of friends, yet still refuse
to repent and accept Christ as their Lord and Savior. The Lord may continue to
strive with them for a while, especially if someone is "interceding for them by
their prayers, but there will be a time when this will cease.
Also the application is to the Christian, one in whom much has been given in the
way of Grace. The Lord expects Fruit from that Person and if none is forth coming,
He will take away whatever talents He had given him, but He will never take away
his salvation.
Notice Jesus called her to him, she apparently did not seek his healing. She had
come to seek spiritual healing for her soul and received physical healing also.
Notice He laid His hands upon her and she was immediately cured. This cure and the
speed of it represents the work of God's Grace upon the souls of people.
- In the conversion of sinners. Complete and immediate.
- In the comfort of those who are hurting. Whatever the trouble,
whatever the loss, Jesus heals and in due time, restores
you upright from being bent over with grief.
Previous Chapter |
Return to Outline |
Ask Questions |
Next Chapter |