A parable straight from the heart of Jesus.
The Parable of the Unfruitful Fig Tree – Luke 13:6-9
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
John 15:5
One thing that we have seen in the parables of Jesus, is the need to read what came before and what came after a particular parable. Doing so will help you keep these simple stories in context.
Today’s parable is no different. It is important to know that Jesus had been talking to His listeners about the need to repent.
Jesus was reminding the crowd about a true and recent event. Take a look.
“Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”
Luke 13:4 & 5
Suddenly, a tower failed. Eighteen people were killed. Without any notion that they were moments from death, these people faced eternity.
Jesus wanted to convey a sense of urgency within the hearts of people. He wanted them to understand that life could end just like that. He wanted them to be prepared spiritually.
“…Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts…”
Psalm 95:7-8
You see, Jesus also wants people to know that He is patient and filled with mercy. In this moment, His tender thoughts were directed to Israel.
But this message is for people today, too. These parables are intended for everyone who will believe in Him. (John 3:16-17)
So, while it is important to keep the Biblical context, it is equally important to apply these truths to our own lives.
That is why it is so important to know God’s Word. Not only do we find a deeper relationship with Him, but we can find answers for our next step.
Now, before we look at the parable, here is the key to the symbolism in the passage:
- A Man (The owner of the vineyard) – God
- A Fig tree – Israel or Individuals who are to bear spiritual fruit
- A Vineyard – the world (unsaved people) and believers who are expected to demonstrate Christ and share the Gospel
- A Vinedresser – Jesus
- Three years – a time of opportunity for grace
And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Luke 13:6-9
Let’s let the Bible interpret this parable for us.
A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard,
So, God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them.
Genesis 1: 27-28
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and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.
“Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Luke 3:9
And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down.‘
Therefore, the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous…
Psalm 1:5
The Bible tells us that those who reject Christ will be separated from Him forever.
And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Romans 8:34
So, as we come to the end of the parable, consider your own standing.
Are you truly born-again? If you are, are you bearing fruit?
Bearing fruit means living to share the Gospel, honoring and keeping God’s moral law, enriching your family, encouraging the Church, and living a life that glorifies God.
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.
John 15:8
When you wholeheartedly live a fruitful life, you will find true fulfillment.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1:3
English Standard Version (ESV)
The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. ESV Text Edition: 2025.
Statement of Faith
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 