The Parable Of The Barren Fig Tree Luke

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

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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

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

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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 Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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

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

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 The Application § Is “three years” significant? 7 a v. § Some say “No”…just a minor detail § Some say “Yes”…given overall context § Jesus ministry among the Jews =

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 The Application § Is “three years” significant? 7 a § Some say “Yes”…given overall context § Context emphasizes the importance of following Him 13: 24 -30 v.

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 The Application Judea Galilee § The decision? “Cut it down” 7 b § A decisive, final act (complete removal) § Similar to earlier warnings Mt 3: 10 7: 19 § More than unfruitful…it was v.

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 The Application Judea Galilee § The decision? “Cut it down” 7 b § A decisive, final act (complete removal) § Similar to earlier warnings Mt 3: 10 7: 19 § More than unfruitful…it was v.

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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 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?

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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

The Barren Fig Tree Lk 13: 6 -9 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