The parable of the unfruitful tree (Luke 13:6-9)

Dear Members in Christ,

The parable of the unfruitful tree (Luke 13:6-9)

In the previous article, we examined the teaching of the Lord Jesus from the Bible passage Luke 13:1-6. From that lesson, the Lord Jesus was asked about the Galileans who met a violent and bloody death at the hands of the Romans. The Lord’s warning to those who were present was, “I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3).

The Lord Jesus in the preceding chapter 12 of the Gospel of Luke preached to the people about the hypocrisy and the false doctrines or the leaven of the Pharisees. This crowd was not receptive, but instead distracted the Lord Jesus about the demise of the Galileans (Luke 13:1). Since the context of this lesson is Christ’s teaching, “Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1) and again in verse 56 of Luke 12 the Lord calls them, “Ye, hypocrites…”. The context suggests that those who imbibe this doctrine are warned to repent of the falsehood and hypocrisy of the Pharisees.

To further press forth the lesson, the Lord Jesus now brings forth a parable of the unfruitful tree. Let us examine this passage to understand the meaning of being “fruitless”. should

A. A tree without fruit – useless and unproductive

The Lord Jesus then began to speak a parable about an unfruitful fig tree. He began the account with a husbandman, having planted a fig tree in his vineyard. This man is the owner of the vineyard. He is the owner of the “means of production” as we would say. The land, the fruit tree, the vine are all means by which fruits are produced, of course with the aid of labourers watering and tending to the plants.

“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.” Luke 13:6

There is an air of expectation on the part of the land owner. The Bible says, “he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.” His expectation fell in emptiness and disappointed–no fruit was found. “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?” (Luke 13:7). The owner now tells his worker to cut down the tree. The word “cumbereth” means to hinder, or render useless by taking up space. I have found talking to people who are engaged in agriculture that unwanted weeds, bushes and none fruit-bearing trees can compete with the fruitful trees for nutrition from the earth. These unwanted trees are usually cleared to allow the fruit trees to be better nourished and be fruitful.

B. Cutting down the fruitless tree 

The worker pleaded for more time, to allow him to witness if the tree is really unfruitful. Trees may require some time to attain maturity to be able to fruit and sometimes, a little fertilizing may help. So, he tells his master:

“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.” Luke 13:8-9

The vineyard worker pleaded for a “grace period” of another year. This is often cited as an illustration of God’s grace. The dresser of the yard pleaded with the lord for another year whilst he fertilized the land, allowing time for fruiting - this is a picture of grace. Even if granted grace to repent (a year’s grace for fruit to be shown), the lord will have the tree cut down if it does not show fruits eventually. The Lord Jesus is teaching that they (especially the Pharisees and their followers) have to repent of their false doctrines and religious hypocrisy.

Remember the context which is “except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” Luke 13:3. If a person shows no fruit of repentance, then there is no indication of salvation. For every opportunity to hear the gospel is grace extended, and this is an urgent plea. The thrust of this parable is that God is longsuffering and gracious, and the true convert to the Gospel of Christ will bring forth fruits of repentance. Otherwise, the unbelieving will in due time suffer God’s judgement and wrath.  

We thank God that He is merciful and longsuffering. God offers grace so mercifully and so freely. Make haste to repent and turn to God, for He will mercifully cleanse and forgive the sinner. May God be praised. Amen.     

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor