Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Sunday, 21 January 2024

How would you rate 2023? (Scale 1-10)

What kind of a person were you in 2023?

How was your relationship with God in 2023?

How much did your life reflect that you are God's child in 2023?

Luke 13:6-9 (NKJV)
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ”

This parable primarily refers to the nation and people of the Jews. Yet it has, without doubt, a further reference, designed for the awakening of every born-again believer!

Are you bearing fruit?

Galatians 5:22-23

• Love: Unconditional love for God and others.
• Joy: A sense of inner happiness and contentment.
• Peace: Pursuing harmony and tranquility in relationships and situations.
• Patience: Endurance and tolerance in difficult circumstances.
• Kindness: Showing compassion and benevolence toward others.
• Goodness: Engaging in morally upright and virtuous actions.
• Faithfulness: Remaining steadfast and loyal to one's commitments and beliefs.
• Gentleness: Demonstrating a gentle and humble demeanor.
• Self-Control: Exercising discipline over one's actions and emotions.

The story of the Barren Fig Tree implies forgiveness! They know now that Jesus wasn’t simply telling a story about a fig tree but he was talking about God and the way He FORGIVES us even though we don’t deserve such generosity and kindness.

God has given us some wonderful soil for growth.

Colossians 2:6-7 (Msg)
My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it!

Luke 13:8 (Msg)
“The gardener said, ‘Let’s give it another year. I’ll dig around it and fertilize, and maybe it will produce next year; if it doesn’t, then chop it down.’ ”

John 15:5 (Msg)  
“I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing.

John 15:5 (NLT) 
“Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.  

The key is to be connected to Christ.

Be sure of this: Jesus is waiting for you! Spade in hand, wheelbarrow by his side, ready to walk with you in 2024. That’s a promise! Armed with that promise, we can step forward into the New Year, ready to let Him do the work in us that only He can do. 

Abide In Christ in 2024!