Luke 13:6-9

6 Jesus told this story: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came looking for some fruit on the tree, but he found none. 7 So the man said to his gardener, ‘I have been looking for fruit on this tree for three years, but I never find any. Cut it down. Why should it waste the ground?’ 8 But the servant answered, ‘Master, let the tree have one more year to produce fruit. Let me dig up the dirt around it and put on some fertilizer. 9 If the tree produces fruit next year, good. But if not, you can cut it down.’” ( NCV)

Time is Winding Up

“Time is on the pitcher’s mound, and time is winding up!”

This text is tailored to teach us that we should be intercessors and heralds of the gospel.

When we leave here I hope that everyone will take advantage of the “now”.

I. Purpose (6-7)

The fig tree was often used as a symbol of Israel (cf. ; ). This context seems to refer to national Israel as a whole, whose spiritual life and priorities were characterized in her leaders. (the man in this parable represents God; the fig tree represents Israel)

This image was no doubt selected to show those Pharisees and other Jews, proud of what they considered their unassailable position as the elect of the Eternal, that the position they occupied was but that of a fig tree in the corner of the vineyard of the world—planted there and watched over so long as it promised to serve the Lord of the vineyard’s purpose; if it ceased to do that, if it gave no further promise of fruit, then it would be ruthlessly cut down.

Problem (6b): The tree did not serve its purpose.

Solution (7): 13:7 “for three years” It takes several years for a fruit tree of any kind to start producing fruit. That time had passed by three years. God is saying, that, "I have been coming here for three years, and found NOTHING!" God was patient, but there is a limit to His longsuffering.

"Cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?" better rendered, why doth it make the ground useless? It is an unproductive tree, and occupies the place which another and a fertile tree might fill.

"The parable teaches that nothing which only takes out/away can survive. The fig tree was drawing strength and sustenance from the soil; and in return was producing nothing. That was precisely its sin. In the last analysis, there are two kinds of people in this world -- those who take out more than they put in, and those who put in more than they take out."

He is simply saying, "You just taking up space."

The problem with the fig tree was it did not serve its purpose.

II. Petition (8)

"let it alone" - dismiss, leave in a place, forgive, pardon, allow - one more chance please!

This symbolizes the patience and mercy of God.

The dresser’s intercession for it. Christ is the great Intercessor; he ever lives, interceding. Ministers are intercessors; they that dress the vineyard should intercede for it; those we preach to we should pray for, for we must give ourselves to the word of God and to prayer.

let me cultivate and work on it one more year!

He's not saying, "Not ever," but "Not now!"

A time of retrospect and reflection.

Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers 2.10: St. Ambrose: Select Works and Letters Chapter I

For repentance must be taken in hand not only anxiously, but also quickly, lest perchance that father of the house in the Gospel who planted a fig-tree in his vineyard should come and seek fruit on it, and finding none, say to the vine-dresser: “Cut it down, why doth it cumber the ground?”1 And unless the vine-dresser should intercede and say: “Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig about it and dung it, and if it bear fruit—well; but if not let it be cut down.”2

2. The dresser served as the intercessor.

III. Possibilities (9)

(9a) shows the response of for those who are obedient.

(9b) “but if not” This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE (ei de mē ge), which assumes it will not bear fruit even with further special care (cf. 3:9).

(9b) shows the reality of judgment.

God wants a righteous people who reflect His character. This passage, like , is a warning against unfruitful lives in His people! God takes obedience seriously (cf. ).

This is not works-righteousness, but true salvation evidenced by godly living (cf. ).

Salvation is not a product, a ticket to heaven, or a fire insurance policy,

but a changed and changing life of godliness! Eternal life has observable characteristics (cf. ).

3. A change of mind, heart, and lifestyle is repentance.

Conclusion

There was an old shoot 'em up/western that starred Gary Cooper as a doctor who saved people's lives. In one scene, a young man gets shot; he's dying. Gary Cooper goes in and he pulls out the bullet and is able to save the man's life. The man, grateful for having been rescued, asks what he can do for the doctor. Gary Cooper says, "Well, you know, I've always needed an assistant, so why don't you assist me. I'll teach you what to do." When the young man asked how long the doctor wanted his help, Gary Cooper replies, "For the rest your life because that's how long you would have been dead if I hadn't saved you." So it is with God.

Let’s leave here today knowing our purpose; let us leave here today serving as intercessors who petition God for time for others and preaching the good news of the kingdom and summon others to repentance; and in our preaching of the gospel, let others know the powerful possibilities that lie within them!