533. LUK 13:6-9. THE BARREN FIG-TREE

Luk_13:6-9. The Barren Fig-Tree

"He spake also this parable. A certain man had a figtree 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 figtree, and find none; cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" &c.’97Luk_13:6-9.

It is probable that Christ designed this parable to be admonitory to the Jews, whose mercies had been so numerous, but whose day of privileges would soon terminate. But the subject is equally applicable to all persons who are favored with the means of religious knowledge and improvement. How important that we should live constantly and deeply impressed with our responsibility to God, for all we enjoy. That we should remember always, that this is a probationary state. That eternity will be to us, in all its enjoyments, or woes, as we sow here. And, therefore, that we should so improve our blessings, that our account may be surrendered with joy, and not with grief. Observe,

I. The favorable position in which the figtree was placed. In a "vineyard"’97not on some neglected waste ground. Not by the wayside. But in a vineyard. Under culture and care. With all the advantages of the vine-dresser’s skill, &c. This was the highly favored condition of the Jews for many generations. See Isa_5:1, &c. This is the condition of those favored 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 favored 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; Luk_13:6. This expectation was reasonable. The vine is a fruitful plant. Under cultivation, it is expected to yield a due increase. 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 favored with the privileges and blessings of the gospel economy. He particularly requires, and expects it from his own professing people’97the members of his church. He expects,

1. Their hearts to yield the fruits of holy graces. These are specified by the apostle Paul; Gal_5:22, &c. He expects,

2. Their lips to yield the fruit of thanksgiving and praise. The sanctified mouth glorifies God and extols him. Celebrates his praises, &c. From the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. And the stream of the lips is to evidence the nature of the fountain within. He expects,

3. The fruits of obedience in the life. The fruits of righteousness to the glory of his grace. That to faith will be added virtue, temperance, &c. That the life shall be regulated by the Divine law, and conformed to the Divine mind. Subject to God’s gracious and holy authority. That they be servants of righteousness.

4. The fruits of usefulness, by the employment of their powers and talents, in his service. That the powers, and gifts, and blessings conferred, will be laid out and improved. True love to God will lead to a desire to serve him, and glorify him in the world. Love to mankind, which is an essential part of religion, will lead to active exertion to save our fellow-creatures. Observe,

III. The proprietor’s disappointment. "Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this figtree, and find none;" Luk_13:7. We marvel not at his disappointment. He had sought fruit year after year, and there had been none. It is said that a tree, not yielding fruit for three year?, was considered barren. He found no fruit thereon. No fruit of any quality. No fruit. Not one branch or cluster did this tree bear. It might be strong and green, but it was barren. To the Jews this literally applied. To myriads under the gospel dispensation. And to how many, alas! who are professors in the church’97the absence of every grace and virtue God seeks and demands. Notice.

IV. The command the proprietor issues

"Cut it down, why cumbereth it the ground?" Luk_13:7.

1. This sentence was not a hasty one. There had been three years’ care, and labor, and forbearance. God exercised his great longsuffering towards the Jews. So to men in general. So to fruitless professors in the church. To all, God manifests patient and enduring forbearance. Not willing to. destroy, but desirous to save. Hence, he waits long to see if they will bear fruit or not.

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. So was it with the Jews. So is it with all unfruitful professors. Their influence is worse than useless’97it is pernicious to others. Notice at this crisis,

V. The request the vine-dresser presents. "He said, Lord, let it alone this year also," &c., Luk_13:8. 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," Luk_13:8. 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; "an" if not, then thou shalt cut it down," Luk_13:9.

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. He prayed for his murderers on earth. He mediates for a lost world in heaven. Our being’97our privileges’97our gracious calls all flow to us through him. Through the virtue of his sacerdotal influence, the axe may. have been stayed in its descent’97the affliction removed’97the life prolonged. But remember, the suspended blow is not pardon’97not acceptance’97not salvation. Without repentance, faith, fruitfulness, the sentence will be put into fearful execution.

Application

1. Let the subject lead to serious self examination. Am I in the vineyard of the Lord a fruitful tree, or a cumberer of the ground?

2. Let the formalist be awakened to a deep concern for his soul’s salvation.

3. Let all remember the great end of life, is to glorify God, and finally obtain eternal blessedness.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS