Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Luke 13:6-9

Then Jesus told this story: A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed.  Finally, he said to his gardener, I’ve waited three years and there hasn’t been a single fig!  Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.

The gardener answered, sir, give it one more chance, leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer.  If we get figs next year, fine.  If not, then you can cut it down.

Key Points:

  1. Being fruitful with our lives is expected by God

    1. (NLT) God is disappointed, when he finds no fruit

    2. (NIV) he comes “looking” for fruit

    3. (MSG) he comes expecting to find fruit

  1. God is patient with us, and Jesus is our advocate and asks God to allow him time to do his work in our life, and will give us special attention and plenty of fertilizer

  1.  There is an end to the waiting if we don’t produce fruit.  

This was elaborated on in v1-5, (the 5 verses before the parable):

(NLT) “…unless you repent of your sins and turn to God…you will die

(AMP) “…unless you repent [change your old way of thinking], turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives]; you will all likewise perish…”

Take away: 

God is patient, cultivates us, gives us special attention and gives us more than enough time.  And, expects us to live changed lives for him.

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