Is Your Tree Fruitful?
Read the Text: Luke 13
Memorize the Text: And I say to you, anyone who acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge him before the angels in heaven. (Luke 12:8)
Consider the Text: Luke 13:6-9
Jesus opened Luke 13 by declaring the need for everyone to repent. He stated clearly that differing levels of lostness did not exist and, as a result, everyone needed to seek repentance. Jesus confirmed this truth be using a parable of a barren fig tree. The tree appears to be healthy but does not produce fruit. The fruitless nature means that the tree has no value, even though the outward appearance seems good. The parable, in combination with the opening five verses of Luke 13, ought to challenge us to evaluate our life for the evidence of fruit and not the mere appearance of spiritual health.
When the master of the land appears, he makes several FINDINGS CONCERNING THE FIG TREE. The master observes the fruitless nature of the tree and finds the tree as wasting valuable land. The land during the first century was at such a premium that the master did not want to waste any of it with a worthless tree. He expected every inch of fertile ground to be used for plants that produced. A barren tree that looked good ultimately wasted the land and hindered the outcome of the harvest.
The absence of producing fruit means that the tree does not meet the expectations of the master, nor aids in the master's achievement’s desires. Thus, the tree loses all value and worth to serve the intent and mission of the master. The tree takes up space that could be used for a different tree that produces. The tree never reached its potential and thus hinders the possible harvest of the master.
The master gives a MESSAGE TO THE LABORER. The master informed the laborer that the time of judgment had arrived. He weighed the cost of continuing to care for the tree versus the cost of disposing of it and starting over. The analysis led to the master asking the laborers to remove the tree and start with a new one. The basic understanding comes as the master demonstrates a fatigue from the tree taking and taking without providing any fruit.
Upon hearing the master, the LABORER RESPONDED. The laborer acts as a mediator between the master and the tree. He asked the master to allow the tree one more year to become more fruitful. The laborer here acts like a Christ-type by asking the master for one more year of grace and giving the tree another opportunity to respond with fruitfulness. The response of the laborer flows from compassion for the tree because of the diligent work put forth to bring the tree to fruitfulness. The laborer is prepared for even more diligent labor to provide the best opportunity for the tree to produce for the master and be rescued from the possibility of doom.
The parable provides a CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS AND TO THE CHURCH. There needs to be an awareness of the use of the soil so that we do not waste it. The church must make sure that they reject sitting back and taking from the soil without responding with fruitfulness. The threat for the church and for believers becomes a state of apathy because they expect to receive more than they are prepared to give.
The church needs to be aware of the possible judgment that comes when barrenness occurs. We cannot continue living in a barren state that keeps taking without responding. This state leads to an ultimate moment of judgment because of the disobedient response to the expectation and desire of the master. Though the mercy of the master may delay the judgment in a moment, the ultimate judgment will occur.
The analysis of the self before the Lord comes in two questions. First, are we a tree that is wasting soil? Has God provided a great field of possibility to serve him? If so, are we in the fields working or are we wasting what the Lord provides? Second, are we the tree that is using the soil without producing fruit? Are we wanting more and more from the Lord, but refuse to respond to his leading in faithfulness? As we read this parable today, may we consider our faithfulness to the Lord and our fruitfulness for his kingdom.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
