Finding Fruitfulness in Faith: Lessons from the Barren Fig Tree By: Andrew Torba
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree is found in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 13:6-9). This parable, told by Jesus, is about a man who had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. When he came looking for fruit on it and found none, he said to the keeper of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’ However, the vineyard keeper asked for patience, suggesting to leave it for one more year, during which he would dig around it and fertilize it. If it bore fruit next year, fine; if not, then it could be cut down. This is one of my favorite parables. You can feel the masculine energy and even frustration Jesus had leaping off of the page when you read this. The interplay between the vineyard owner and the gardener symbolizes a balance between justice (cutting down the tree) and mercy (giving it more time). Jesus, in his earthly ministry, often embodied this balance. He was compassionate yet unwavering in his commitment to righteousness – traits that align with a holistic understanding of masculine energy. The patience of the vineyard keeper reflects God’s mercy. We are reminded that while consequences are real, so is God’s patience. He desires us to turn towards what is good and life-giving, rather than face the negative consequences of our actions. The expectation of the fig tree to bear fruit can be seen as a metaphor for our own lives. We are expected to bear fruit in terms of good deeds, ethical behavior, and positive contributions to our community. There is an element of accountability in how we live and use the resources and opportunities we are given. The potential of the fig tree being cut down if it failed to produce fruit emphasizes the urgency of taking action in our lives. It serves as a reminder that opportunities may not last forever and that there is a need to act decisively and make the most of the time we have. Just as the vineyard keeper offered to nurture the tree with care and attention, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our spiritual lives. This can involve engaging in practices that foster spiritual growth, such as prayer, studying God’s Word, and being part of a faith community. The parable encourages self-examination. We can ask ourselves: What kind of fruit are we bearing in our lives? Are we contributing positively to the lives of others? Are we living in a way that aligns with our values and beliefs? The fig tree was given an additional year to bear fruit, symbolizing God’s patience and willingness to give us time to change and grow. This teaches us the value of repentance and personal growth, reminding us that we often receive second chances to correct our ways and produce positive outcomes in our lives. This parable can also be interpreted as a metaphor for Israel’s spiritual condition at the time of Jesus. The fig tree represents Israel, and its lack of fruit symbolizes Israel’s failure to live up to its calling as God’s people, particularly in terms of righteousness and justice. The three years of seeking fruit may represent the duration of Jesus’ ministry, during which he sought spiritual fruit among the people of Israel. The intercession of the vineyard keeper reflects God’s mercy and patience, offering Israel more time to repent and produce the expected fruits of righteousness. This additional year of care and attention could represent the period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, a fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecies about the end of the age, where God gave Israel one full generation to repent and follow Jesus. In this view, the eventual cutting down of the tree if it remains fruitless symbolizes the judgment that would come upon Israel if it failed to repent—a judgment that culminated with the events of AD 70, including the siege and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Romans. Thus, the parable serves as a warning about the consequences of failing to live up to God’s expectations and as a call to repentance and spiritual renewal. May we learn from it and bear fruit. Andrew Torba
CEO, Gab.com
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