PARABLES OF JESUS – The Barren Fig Tree
Luke 13:6
"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.' "
I believe this parable, as others like it, was directed to the nation of Israel. Israel was called "the vineyard of the LORD" (Isaiah 5:7). I'm not sure about the reason a fig tree was planted in the middle of the vineyard, but I suspect that somehow it had to do with the well-being of the vineyard. God had placed in Israel spiritual leaders – the priests – for their well-being. They were to be guardians and protectors. But they were more concerned with their own prosperity and status than the fruitfulness of the vineyard. They had no spiritual fruit. As Jesus came and walked among them for three years, how discouraged He must have been as He saw their barrenness, their lack of spiritual fruit, their self-centeredness. I wonder what he would say about the spiritual leaders of the 21st century. Does he find fruit or barrenness? There are many good pastors and elders who really care about the vineyard they are planted in. But what of the rest who are only in it for material gain or personal glory? May God help us – and them.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: The Owner of the vineyard looks for fruit, especially on the fig trees.
Have a fruitful day. Love you.
Luke 13:6
"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.' "
I believe this parable, as others like it, was directed to the nation of Israel. Israel was called "the vineyard of the LORD" (Isaiah 5:7). I'm not sure about the reason a fig tree was planted in the middle of the vineyard, but I suspect that somehow it had to do with the well-being of the vineyard. God had placed in Israel spiritual leaders – the priests – for their well-being. They were to be guardians and protectors. But they were more concerned with their own prosperity and status than the fruitfulness of the vineyard. They had no spiritual fruit. As Jesus came and walked among them for three years, how discouraged He must have been as He saw their barrenness, their lack of spiritual fruit, their self-centeredness. I wonder what he would say about the spiritual leaders of the 21st century. Does he find fruit or barrenness? There are many good pastors and elders who really care about the vineyard they are planted in. But what of the rest who are only in it for material gain or personal glory? May God help us – and them.
TODAY'S THOUGHT: The Owner of the vineyard looks for fruit, especially on the fig trees.
Have a fruitful day. Love you.
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