Sermon—Parable of the Fig-Tree
“A certain man had a fig-tree planted in his vineyard; and he came
and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser
of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this
fig-tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I
shall dig about it, and dung it; and if it bear fruit, well; and if not, then
after that thou shalt cut it down.”
Luke 13:6-9
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The Jewish nation was represented as the fig-tree which God had
planted in his vineyard. This people he had taken unto himself as his
own. They had been greatly favored with temporal and spiritual bless-
ings, and he looked to them to bring forth the fruits of righteousness.
Year after year he had come to them hoping to find fruit, but had found
none. He had been long forbearing. Justice had urged, “Cut it down;
why cumbereth it the ground?” But mercy pleaded for still another
trial. The Dresser of the vineyard will put forth yet one more effort to
save the fruitless tree. The Son of God will come in person to plead
with the chosen people. He will take upon himself humanity, and set
before them the example of his own life. If this fails to bring them to
repentance, it is their last trial. “After that thou shalt cut it down.” In
the terrible destruction which came upon the Jewish nation we read
the fate of the unfruitful tree.
Under the symbol of the fig-tree, Christ represents, not the Jews
only, but all who have neglected to improve the gifts of Heaven. He has
bestowed upon us greater blessings than were granted to his ancient
people, and he claims of us fruit corresponding to the gifts bestowed.
What is this fruit? It is a pure and holy character; godliness, self-
denial for others’ good, meekness and lowliness of heart. Jesus claims
penitence, faith, and obedience. He came to leave for men a perfect
model of character. He was obedient to all the requirements of his
Father. If we follow him, we shall in our life carry out the precepts of
God’s holy law.
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