The Parable of the Fig Tree
Do you like figs? I personally enjoyed fig newtons when I was a child. Well, have you ever heard of the parable of the fig tree? Although a popular parable its okay if you haven’t. Let’s read the reference below.
Luke 13:6-9 KJVS
[6] 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. [7] 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? [8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it : [9] And if it bear fruit, well : and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
This parable may seem alarming or confusing to some, so we will break it down precept upon precept to understand what Christ was trying to convey.
Luke 13:6 KJVS
[6] 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.
Why a parable?
Hosea 12:10 KJVS
[10] I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.
Parables are synonymous to similitudes. They are used to liken one thing to another and can help explain something through concepts we can more easliy relate to (even if we feel a little disconnected from some of them in modern times). In Luke 13:6 we find that a certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard.
Isaiah 5:7 KJVS
[7] For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
The certain man that owns the vineyard is the Most High God. Israel is the vineyard and is likened unto a pleasant plant. The things he was looking for on the tree to produce that was also likened to fruit was judgement and righteousness. But in Luke 13:6 we see that he found none on the tree. He was looking for the fruit of the spirit of righteousness.
Galatians 5:22-23 KJVS
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
These are the fruits (in this case figs) that should have been produced by Israel as a tree. However, the Most High found none. And if these fruits are not being produced in their absence there is only the works of the flesh and the tree is drying out or dying as a result.
Galatians 5:19-21 KJVS
[19] Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these ; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [20] Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, [21] Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Luke 13:6-7 [6] 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. [7] 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?
The dresser of the vineyard is Christ.
John 3:35 KJVS
[35] The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.
Christ is the one entrusted with Israel and the care of all things.
Luke 13:7 [7] 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?
Do you know anything about fig trees? Well to better understand the parable lets get a better understanding of the fig tree.
Growing period
“The fruiting cycle is 120-150 days. Some varieties produce one crop per year, others two. Trees have been known to live as long as 200 years.”
Permaculture News: Essential Guide: Need to know Figs Ficus-Carica
“Fig trees (Ficus carica) thrive in the desert, making them the perfect addition to any yard. But patience is key. Fig trees can take 3-4 years to produce a viable crop. When they do, fig trees produce crops twice a year. The second crop is typically the most fruitful—producing edible figs. Harvest time is typically between June and September.”
It's Fig Season: How to grow them, what to do with them.
“Best of all, this edible beauty is surprisingly easy to grow.
They blend easily into shrub borders, flower beds or vegetable gardens and also grow well in containers. Enhance your success with figs by following these simple tips.”
Uses
“The fruit is eaten fresh, dried in confectionery, brewed as an alcoholic beverage or used as a laxative. The fruit is a source of calcium, sugar, iron, copper, carbohydrates, potassium, and vitamin A. The leaves are used as potherbs or fed to livestock and dried can be used for tea. The tree is also grown for shade and has value in the ornamental garden.”
Now we better understand as to why the Most High said it has not produced fruit in these past three years to cut it down. Because fig trees take at least three years to produce fruit once planted. However, Christ was still working with it and was destroying (cumbering) the ground around it.
Luke 13:7-8 [7] 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? [8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it :
Christ still understood that it can take even up to four years for fig trees to produce fruit. And before the final judgement was rendered. He considered discreetly and went even further to dig about it (cumber) and dung it.
Strong’s Number
G2874
Strong's Definition
From κόπρος kopros (ordure; perhaps akin to G2875); manure: - dung (-hill).
To dung it literally means to add manure to it. Why? Understanding that one reason why it may not be growing or producing the way I would like it to is that maybe it was not receiving the nutrients it needed. The dresser of the vineyard has first hand knowledge on dealing with the plants on a day to day basis for years and encouraged the owner to give it at least one more year after he put his all into making it all it could be. Furthermore, he understood that a fig tree can take three to four years to produce fruit. It may not have produced in the third year, however, there is hope it can produce in the fourth year!
Hebrews 4:14-15 KJVS
[14] Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. [15] For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Christ is our high priest, our mediator between the Most High and the rest of Israel. He is able to better understand and be a more excellent high priest as he was in the flesh and subjected to the same things we are subjected to. Yet, in his temptations he was able to resist sin.
Luke 13:8-9 KJVS
[8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it : [9] And if it bear fruit, well : and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Now if after all this it still does not bear fruit than we can cut it down because it is unprofitable. It has had years to grow and even when it was properly tended to by one who has wisdom on how to tend to it. Because it wasn’t just anybody tending to the tree. It was someone who was in charge of the vineyard that understood what was needed to produce good fruit.
Revelation 6:13 KJVS
[13] And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
Sometimes the situationn can be different. The fig tree could have had good fruit on the way. However, a storm, hurricane, or some strong wind came through that was able to cause the fig tree to cast down its fruit. Sometimes that happens to brothers and sisters. You could have been on a good path. In a good space. But satan may come and send that strong wind that may cause your untimely fruit to fall to the ground before it is fully ripe.
This is why we ask for grace and mercy. It doesn’t mean that it was good that we did not produce the fruit desired at the time desired but that The Most High can understand the underlying reasons as to why and give us grace and mercy for the situation. However we still are required to get it together.
Mark 13:28-29 KJVS
[28] Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: [29] So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.
Late summer is when figs start to produce most. So it is understood that signs will be present when a tree begins to produce fruit.
Luke 13:1-5 KJVS
[1] There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. [2] And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? [3] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. [4] Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? [5] I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
The main thing Christ kept telling them was to repent. Change your ways, begin to produce fruit worthy of repentance. If not judgement is coming.
Isaiah 5:5-7 KJVS
[5] And now go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard: I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down: [6] And I will lay it waste: it shall not be pruned, nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns: I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. [7] For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
This is where the parable came from that Christ understood. And what happens if we remain in sin.
Mark 11:13-14 KJVS
[13] And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. [14] And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
Christ can be compassionate, however Christ can also be strict (austere) as is his nature when the time comes. Sometimes the expectation is you should have had fruit from last season. Or even if the fruit is not ripe I should see some untimely (green) figs in the works or in development. But to just have leaves is not sufficient. Like the Israelite that claims to be working on it. As so many of us do. There is a time for there to be seen legitimate effort. And yes, your efforts should be seen and be visible to someone who gets close to you. Some trees are just faking the funk as they say. They seem like they will produce but all you find time after time are leaves.
Let this serve as a reminder to us as brothers and sisters to be patient with one another and give the years needed to allow one another to bear fruit. And if it has been years and you don’t see progress then do what you can to help your brother or sister by providing the admonishment and exhortation they may need to grow. And if you may be in that situation have patience with yourself and give yourself time to grow. You may not be producing as fast or as often as the next man or woman and sometimes that is okay. But in due season you can reap if you faint not and keep going.
If you are the tree that has not been producing for years. Then you want to do what you can to produce righteous fruit lest at any time the Most High cut you off.
Luke 13:8-9 KJVS
[8] And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it : [9] And if it bear fruit, well : and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
