The Barren Fig-Tree
J. Burns, D. D. Luke 13:6-9 He spoke also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.… I. THE FAVOURABLE POSITION IN WHICH THIS TREE WAS PLACED. In a "vineyard"; not on some neglected waste-ground. Under culture and care. This is the condition of those favoured with the privileges and blessings of the gospel dispensation. This is especially the condition of those who are members of the Christian Church. 1. Who have been professedly brought out of the world into the Church. 2. Who are favoured with the spiritual means and ordinances of the gospel. 3. Who are the subjects of the especial and rich promises of the new covenant. 4. Unto whom the graces and blessed influences of the Holy Spirit are freely imparted. 5. Who are the objects of the Divine care and complacency. We are directed — II. To THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE PROPRIETOR. He came seeking fruit (ver. 6). This expectation was reasonable. God expected this from the Jews. He required them to be more wise, and holy, and obedient, than the heathen who surrounded them. God requires this from all favoured with the privileges and blessings of the gospel economy. He particularly requires and expects it from His own professing people — the members of His Church. He expects — 1. Their hearts to yield the fruits of holy graces. 2. Their lips to yield the fruit of thanksgiving and praise. 3. The fruits of obedience in the life. 4. The fruits of usefulness, by the employment of their powers and talents in His service. III. THE PROPRIETOR'S DISAPPOINTMENT. IV. THE COMMAND THE PROPRIETOR ISSUES. "Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" (ver. 7). 1. This sentence was not a hasty one. There had been three years' care, and labour, and forbearance. God exercised His great long-suffering towards the Jews. So to men in general. So to fruitless professors in the Church. To all God manifests patient and enduring forbearance. 2. A sufficient reason is assigned for the order given. "Why cumbereth it the ground?" It was worthless in itself. It occupied precious ground. It took up the nutritive portions of the soil, that useful fruitful trees required. V. THE REQUEST THE VINE-DRESSER PRESENTS. "He said, Lord, let it alone this year also," etc. (ver. 8). He denies not the allegations of the owner. He vindicates not the final continuance of the tree. But he entreats — 1. For a short period of suspense of the sentence. One year. One year only! One round of the seasons. One year's showers and sunshine. 2. He engages to give it special attention. "I will dig about it, and dung it" (ver. 8). I will try and search out the cause, and use all reasonable means to remedy it. He further adds — 3. His willingness then to obey the order of the proprietor. This is not only implied, but directly stated. "If it bear fruit, well" — well for the tree, the proprietor, and the vine-dresser; "And if not, then thou shalt cut it down" (ver. 9). This pleading for the cumberer has often been verified in the prayers of the parent, the friend, the minister; but it is true in the highest and best sense of the Lord Jesus. He ever lives to intercede. (J. Burns, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. WEB: He spoke this parable. "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it, and found none.