Genuine Faith

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.

Luke 13:6-9

This brief parable is connected to the verses we looked at yesterday. Jesus’ teaching, in response to questions regarding the tragedies of the slaughter of worshipers by Pilate and the falling of the tower in Siloam, was, “Unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish.” The parable today is a continuation of Jesus’ teaching about genuine faith. To the ancient Jewish farmer, his vineyard was sometimes called his fruit field. It was not unusual for the Jewish farmer to plant fruit trees along with his vines of grapes because that was the best soil. So, fig and other fruit trees could be found growing in the vineyard. So, in this parable, the owner came looking for figs on the tree that had been barren for at least 3 years. Now, newly planted fig trees, like most fruit trees, will not produce for several years after planting. But, this tree most likely had produced before but, now was not producing figs. Throughout the teachings of Jesus, He was concerned that His people bear fruit. True faith always manifests itself in the fruits of repentance and good works. While good works do not justify anyone but, good works are the evidence of one’s real faith. We learn that in James 2 where James, Jesus’ brother, writes of faith without works being no faith at all. A fruitless fruit tree is useless and harmful for it uses vital nutrients from the land. Jesus does not tell what happened to the fig tree the following year but, to this point in the parable, Jesus has amplified His point in His response to the questions about the tragedies, “Unless you repent, you will likewise perish.” Our Lord was NOT saying, “If you repent someday,” but, “Now is the time.” One cannot assume “three more years” of patience, “three more years” of longsuffering. God commands all people to repent of their sins now.

Source: S C Ball February 25, 2023