Sermon 107

📖 Sermon 107 – The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Date: [no date given]
Text: Luke 13:6–9

Introduction

Jesus speaks a brief but powerful parable about a barren fig tree. It is a message about privilege, patience, and the urgency of repentance. God looks for fruit in the lives of His people, and His patience, though great, is not endless.

I. The Privileged Tree

A. Planted in a vineyard
This tree enjoyed care, protection, and rich soil. Such privilege represents God’s special blessings upon His people.

B. Three years without fruit
Despite every advantage, it remained barren. Privilege without response leads to greater responsibility.

C. God’s righteous expectation
He has a right to look for spiritual fruit — repentance, faith, obedience, and love.

II. The Owner’s Judgment

A. “Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?”
A fruitless tree takes up space and drains resources. A profession without reality dishonors God.

B. The justice of the sentence
Three years of barrenness symbolized long-standing unbelief.

C. The warning is for all
Israel had been unfruitful. Individuals also face the danger of resisting grace.

III. The Plea of the Vinedresser

A. “Let it alone this year also”
A picture of Christ’s intercession. He asks for time and mercy.

B. Additional care
“I will dig about it and dung it.” God may send trials, sermons, discipline, and blessings to awaken repentance.

C. Two possible outcomes
“If it bear fruit, well.” “But if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” Grace extended does not mean grace forever ignored.

Conclusion

We live in the “one more year” of God’s patience. His kindness calls us to repentance and fruitfulness. Let us respond while mercy is offered, for the day of judgment will surely come to every tree that remains barren.