A Call to Repent:
A Study of Luke 13:6-9
OUTLINE
I. Introducing the parable of the barren fig tree
a. The parable of the barren fig tree was one of many parables told by Jesus during His ministry. As simple as these parables may seem, they are more complicated than someone might think. Jesus often had a deeper message behind His parables and claimed, “he who has hears, let him hear”. Conveying that everyone can hear them but only those who seek to understand them will get the full meaning.
b. Although Jesus’ parables are over 2,000 years old, they still convey a deeper message than most think, especially the parable of the barren fig tree which displays not only God’s patience but also His desire for all to repent from their wicked ways and remain obedient to Him.
II. God’s patience
a. God’s patience shouldn’t be abused
b. The owner is tired of not seeing fruit produced
c. The vinedresser reasons with the owner to give the tree one more year
III. God’s desire for all to repent
a. God doesn’t desire for unfruitful people
b. The owner is willing to be patient with the tree if it bears fruit after a year.
c. God desires for immediate repentance
IV. God’s desire for all to remain obedient to Him
a. God desires for all to turn to Him and produce fruit
b. The owner states the tree has one year to bear fruit or it will be cut down
c. A fruit producing tree (person) pleases God
V. The fig tree represents unrepentant people
a. Although God’s patience is abundant, it does not mean people are to abuse it. God desires immediate repentance and obedience.
b. Although Jesus’ parables are over 2,000 years old it does not mean they are to be forgotten or simply observed from a distance. They convey a deep message that every Christian should seek to understand and live out. In the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus establishes that He desires repentance and obedience. This parable is one of many that should be heavily meditated on in the church and personal lives of Christians.
A Call to Repent: A Study of Luke 13:6-9
The parable of the barren fig tree was one of many parables told by Jesus during His ministry. As simple as these parables may seem, they are more complicated than someone might think. Jesus often had a deeper message behind His parables and claimed, “he who has ears, let him hear”. Conveying that everyone can hear them but only those who seek to understand them will get the full meaning. Jesus used certain people and things throughout His parables to represent the people He was talking to or about. His focus was communicating God’s law and will in a simpler yet complex way. Although Jesus’ parables are over 2,000 years old, they still convey a deeper message than most think, especially the parable of the barren fig tree which displays not only God’s patience but also His desire for all to repent from their wicked ways and remain obedient to Him.
God’s patience is immeasurable, and Jesus portrays His patience in Luke 13:7 stating “And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?” Jesus specifically states 3 years to show the patience God had already shown. Usually, it takes 2-3 years for a fig tree produce fruit. Jesus claims that God not only has great patience to wait for fruit but also His desire for repentance as seen in the last bit of the verse.
Throughout scripture God’s patience is demonstrated numerous ways. Some examples in the Old Testament would be before the flood. God is patient in waiting for people to turn to Him and away from their wicked ways. God was also patient with the Israelites in the wilderness. In the New Testament God is patient with those who hear of His salvation. He was patient in waiting to send the messiah.
It is true that throughout scripture God’s patience is portrayed constantly. However, His patience isn’t to be abused. In the parable Jesus shows God’s patience but also His desire for immediate repentance. Jesus uses things like the fig tree and the owner to represent God and the target audience. “It was not uncommon in antiquity to plant a fig tree in the middle of a vineyard. Hebrew prophets and later Jesus and Luke used trees and plants as metaphors for Israel,
the people of God.” Jesus portrays God’s desire for repentance when He states the owner hasn’t seen fruit being produced and the tree should be cut off. However, God’s immeasurable patience is also shown by the vinedresser stating that the owner should give the tree extra time. The owner agrees but expects to see fruit the next year.
Both in the Old and New Testament, God’s mercy and desire for repentance can be seen.” In the MacArthur commentary, John MacArthur dives a little deeper into the passage to help those understand it more. “13:6 fig tree. This was often used as a symbol for Isreal. In this case, however, the parable’s lesson about fruitlessness applies equally to the whole nation, and to each individual soul.” John also dives into verse 8. “13:8 let it alone this year. This illustrates both the intercession of Christ and the extreme and graciousness of the father.” Obedience isn’t something God takes lightly. He demands and desires all to remain obedient to Him. Sin, sickness, death, and brokenness in this world are all a result of disobedience. Since the very first sin committed, suffering and death entered. The good news however is the salvation found in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Paul writes in Romans 5:18-19.
Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
Paul conveys that even through one mans sin came emptiness, despair, and death. Through another man’s righteousness came hope, restoration, joy, and salvation.
Obedience according to scripture is the faithful response to God’s commands and full surrender to His will. However, “God’s demand for obedience is not purely arbitrary; rather, obedience is a means by which God brings blessing.” The stories of Abraham and Isaac are great representations of faith and obedience, both felt that what God was calling them to do was outrageous. However, out of faith they remained obedient to Him and were blessed because of it. The opposite is also true as portrayed in the story of king Saul. Under God’s direction Saul defeated the Amalekites but was disobedient in allowing his soldiers to return home with the riches God commanded to burn. God rebukes Saul because of this and later is rejected by God for his recurring disobedience. “The biblical image of obedience is not merely a means for gaining blessing. Just as one stands in proper relation to God by being obedient to Him, so also one becomes obedient to God out of love for Him.” There is a relationship between love and obedience, one cannot exist without the other.
God desires for more than a simple declaration of faith. He want’s full surrender and action. Faith is more than just a word, it’s an action. James writes in his epistle that “Faith without works is dead.” He is not stating that works save the Christian, but that sincere good works are a product of true faith. Just like how a loving child lives in obedience to his/her parents. Christians are supposed to live in obedience to their one true father in heaven. This all ties in with true repentance. The story of David’s sin show that he conveyed true confession and repentance for his wrongdoing.
Genuine repentance begins with a clear understanding of the wrong committed. David notes his sin as well as the person who was harmed by it and the justice of judgment against him. His words convey a sense of ready, willing confession backed by true knowledge.
God desires for this type of repentance when someone first comes to Him. He then desires for that person to continue to confess their sins to Him. Acknowledging they have done wrong and need a savior. The good news is Christ is that savior.
In the parable Jesus conveys the owner is frustrated and desires for fruit to be given. However, the fruit hasn’t showed up yet and the owner desires to cut the tree down since it is taking up ground. This represents unrepentant Isreal but can also represent the unrepentant “Christian.” One cannot claim to be a Christian but never truly repent and turn to Christ. God is also a judge, and He must uphold His perfect judgement by holding all who are unrepentant accountable.
God is pleased with those who seek Him wholeheartedly. Even though David had sinned it didn’t mean God didn’t love him. God was pleased with David and even considered him “a man after God’s own heart.” This is no ordinary statement, being considered someone after God’s own heart is a big achievement. Throughout scripture it is portrayed that David sought after God’s will. Especially in his youth, time like when he defeated David or when he spared Saul and refused to have him killed. God desires for genuine obedience. Not to get something from God but out of fear and reverence for Him.
God’s patience isn’t to be toyed with. However, it is important to remember that God’s grace and patience is immeasurable. The Biblical definition of patience is described by Leland Ryken, “Patience usually connotes a calm, abiding endurance, sometimes associated with wisdom or humility.” One of the best examples is Jesus’ patience with Paul. Even though Paul was out persecuting Christians, Jesus was patient, made him new, and used him to preach the gospel everywhere. Paul is one of the best examples for those to look at who think they have gone to far. However, it’s not an excuse for unrepentant sin.
People seem to forget that even though Jesus’ parables were told thousands of years ago, they still possess immeasurable meaning. These parables should be taught more in the church and elaborated on. Unrepentant sin is a big problem in the modern world. Just as much as it was in the ancient one. Yes, it is important to remember the grace, mercy, kindness, and love of Christ. However, it is also important to remember that God is a judge and will judge righteously one day. He desires for all to repent from their wicked ways and to turn to Him. He desires for sincere faith and genuine repentance.
Repentance isn’t something talked about enough in the church. Mark J. Boda writes, “Although evident in nearly every corpus of the Old and New Testaments, the biblical theme of repentance has received little sustained attention over the past half century of scholarly research within the biblical guild.” This is alarming considering the time for repentance is now. Repentance is more than a simple “sorry”, it’s a complete surrender to Christ. A choice to turn from wicked ways and remain obedient to Jesus. A call to repent and remain obedient to Him.
Bibliography
Boda, Mark J. Return to Me : A Biblical Theology of Repentance. Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 2015.
Bovon, François, and Nancy P. Ševčenko. “Byzantine Art and Gospel Commentary: The Case of Luke 13:6-9, 10-17*.” Harvard Theological Review 109, no. 2 (2016): 257–277.
MacArthur, John F., and Recorded Books, Inc. The Macarthur Bible Commentary. Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, 2005.
Ryken, Leland, James C. Wilhoit, and Tremper Longman. Dictionary of Biblical Imagery. Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2010.
Crossway Bibles. ESV Study Bible : English Standard Version. ESV text ed. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Bibles, 2001.
Holman Bibles. NASB: New American Standard Bible. Holman Bibles, 1995.
Irenaeus, at the end of the second century, is our earliest interpreter of the parable of the fig tree. In his Adversus haereses ,8he cites the words of the owner ("For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still, I find none," v. 7) and interprets them as saying that God has sent his prophets to collect from his people fruits of repentance. He then considers that the additional year, the last opportunity given to Israel, is now over. Without being explicit he interprets this year as the generation between Jesus's death and the fall of Jerusalem in 70 CE. Thus for Irenaeus, Israel is like a fallen tree. Irenaeus seems to be the first representative of an exegetical tradition that both explains Israel's refusal and invites Israel to accept the Christian gospel
Often the fig tree is representant of Isreal. However, in this parable the fig tree represents the nation. It is important to understand that Jesus is talking about the audience He is talking to. He communicates that Isreal is the fig tree and for far too long they have been abusing God’s patience and grace. God is merciful but also just. He will not hesitate to bring upon wrath on those who are in disobedience to Him.
God desires for all in disobedience to repent. Jesus shows this in Luke 13:7 and 9. In verse 7 He sates in His parable “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’” This represents God’s fury with Isreal. He desires for their repentance and obedience. However, Isreal is not giving in, so God gives them a time stamp before He conducts judgment upon them.
God desires for all in disobedience to repent. Jesus shows this in Luke 13:7 and 9. In verse 7 He sates in His parable “And he said to the vineyard-keeper, ‘Look! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. Cut it down! Why does it even use up the ground?’” This represents God’s fury with Isreal. He desires for their repentance and obedience. However, Isreal is not giving in, so God gives them a time stamp before He conducts judgment upon them.
In verse 9 Jesus states in His parable “and if it bears fruit next year, fine; but if not, cut it down.’” This represents God giving Isreal a last chance. If they repent and return to obedience, He will spare them. Once again showing His great grace and mercy. However, if they do not, He will not hesitate to cast judgment on them.
In verse 8 Jesus shows God’s patience yet again “But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, leave it alone for this year too, until I dig around it and put in fertilizer.” It is clear not just in the parable, but throughout scripture that God desires for repentance but also, He has immeasurable grace and mercy.
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