Jesus and the Fig Tree – audio

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On two separate occasions, Jesus told of a fig tree that was not producing fruit.  There is an important lesson that we can learn from something not producing.

Matthew 21:18-22.

Jesus was hungry, and approached a barren fig tree.  Noticing that it would not satisfy His need, he caused it to wither away.  This aroused the curiosity of the disciples, and Jesus taught them how they could do anything with faith (James 1:5-8; Hebrews 11:1,6; Romans 10:17).  This faith must also have love (1 Corinthians 13:2).  Finally, Jesus comforted them by saying that they will receive whatever they ask in prayer, believing (Matthew 7:7-11).

Luke 13:6-9.

On this occasion, Jesus taught a parable involving a fig tree.  A man planted it, but it did not yield any fruit.  He told the keeper of the vineyard that he sought fruit for three years and found none; therefore it should be cut down.  However, the keeper of the vineyard replied:  “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.  And if it bears fruit, well.  But if not, after that you can cut it down.”  Here Jesus stresses the importance of bearing fruit (also taught in the earlier text).  Notice:  1) The keeper of the vineyard was longsuffering toward the fig tree (2 Peter 3:9); 2) he wanted to aid the fig tree (Hebrews 4:16); and 3) there was a fate awaiting the fig tree at the set time (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15).

Both passages of Scripture call to attention a barren fig tree withering away.  Jesus has the power to save it, and the power to destroy it.  As Christians, we are like the fig tree.  Jesus has the power to save us or destroy us.  What will happen to us depends on if we are bearing fruit (John 15:1-8; Galatians 5:22-23).