A Fig Tree in a Vineyard

Luke 13:6- 9, "He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down."

Throughout the Bible, individuals are likened to different elements of nature, including sheep, wolves, waters, and trees. The Bible frequently mentions our "fruit," referring to our actions or behavior towards God or our fellowman. God anticipates good "fruit" from His followers.

• Just as a man plants a fruit tree to eventually get fruit, so God created us and saves us for "fruit."

  
  

• It is reasonable that God, our Creator, Savior, and Sustainer, that He should expect fruit from His people

  
  

• It is reasonable that fruitless trees be cut down and discarded.

1. It is Reasonable that the Owner of this Tree Would Want to Cut it Down. (v.6-7) Luke 13:6-7, "He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?"

   No one would argue that this man would do wrong by cutting down this tree. a. It was a completely unfruitful tree! "...He sought fruit thereon, and found none..." This tree was of no value or benefit to the owner. It brought him no income or pleasure So it is with every lost sinner. God created us, provides for us, and expects at the very least our faith in Him. Yet, so many do not trust God, do not obey God's instructions, bring not glory to God, do not love God, do not live for God. One of the saddest verses in the Bible is Isaiah 1:3, "The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." b. This was a very costly tree! For years, this tree took, and took, and took, yet never gave any fruit back in return. Notice this fig tree was planted in a vineyard. A vineyard generally has a very mild climate, good soil, a proper amount of rain and sunlight, and is given almost daily attention. Why would this man plant his fig tree in a vineyard? Wine is more valuable that figs! Why plant a fig tree in a vineyard? He most likely was attempting to use every portion of available ground. In the same way, God gives, and gives, and gives to mankind, and man takes, and takes, and takes, and generally never gives any "fruit" back to God.

   
   

   c. This was a very cumbersome tree!

   
   

   The word "cumbereth" means to cause to be unproductive, to be inactive or idle.

   
   

   This unfruitful tree was taking up ground, water, and sunlight that a fruitful tree could be using.

   
   

   It is very likely that there are others around the world that could and would produce more fruit for the Lord if they had the opportunities that the unfruitful have. d. This is a corrupting tree! A dead or fruitless tree can be a corruption to other trees nearby. They may attract and spread harmful bugs and disease. In the same way, unbelief can cause unbelief in others (particularly in our family and especially our children); unfaithfulness can cause unfaithfulness in those we influence; bitterness, selfishness, impatience, and immorality causes that same in those we influence.
   

2. Notice the Wonderful Patience Displayed. a. God is not patient with man because He does not care about sin or because He cannot deal with sinners. Sin is a very serious issue and must be taken seriously. God know how to deal with our sin in the most effective and thorough ways. b. God is patient with man because His is patient and does not want any man to perish or ruin his life with sin. c. God is patient with man because (I believe) there is some one pleading for sinners and backslidden believers. Thank God for parents who plead for their lost child, for the spouse who pleads for their lost or backslidden husband or wife, for the fiends who plead in prayer for lost friends, for church members who plead for their community. However, there is is One Who pleads for man's salvation as no other, that is Jesus Christ our great Interceder. 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" Just as the vineyard "dresser" stood between the fruitless tree and the ax, our Lord Jesus stands tween man and God's holy judgment.

   
   

3. Notice the Certain Judgment that is Coming.

   
   

   Luke 13:9, "...after that thou shalt cut it down." We must understand that every man and woman will stand before God in judgment. Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:" There are no opportunities after death.
   

   This parable is about God’s patience and our responsibility to grow. God gives us time and opportunities to change, grow, and produce "fruit" in our lives. But that God's patience isn’t endless. The fact is that second chances are real—but not forever.