Devotional Space for Grace | The Unproductive Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9) | 12.8

[Jim]

December 8th THE PARABLES ​

The Unproductive Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9) ​

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“Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it
and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”

Luke 13:8-9, New International Version ​

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Context: It was late 32 AD. Galileans had died at the hand of Pilate, others when the tower of Siloam fell. Jesus used this parable to preach the necessity of repentance. New trees grown from cuttings usually produced at least a few figs within two or three years, otherwise, the trees would be a taxable burden deserving destruction.



Meaning: John had urged the Jews to “bear the fruit of repentance” because “the axe is already at the root of the tree.” (Matt 3:8-10) Then for three years Jesus searched Israel in vain for the fruit of faith. The parable is about how unbelief can kill you. Later, during Jesus final week Jesus cursed a fig tree. Peter said, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.” (Mk 11:20-22) The lesson of the fig tree is not ‘God will destroy you if you don’t perform,’ but rather ‘abandon DIY self-improvement, come to Jesus in repentance.’ The believer need not fear the axe at the root because Jesus is our Root who sustains us as holy branches (Rom 11:16-18; Rev 22:16).


Application: This parable could be misused to perpetuate fear in believers that they will face ‘the chop’ if they are not doing enough. The reality is that the axe of God’s wrath against our sin has already fallen on Christ at the cross. We are not blessed because of what we do, but because of what Jesus has done by grace (Eph 1:3; Php 4:19). Any fruitage thereafter is solely of Christ’s production through the indwelling Spirit.

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You need not fear the axe of God’s wrath because it has already fallen. ​

 

[Shelley]

I'm happy to think I just need to believe in Christ to be saved. But Im still suspicious that this is not quite the case. I need more understanding on this parable so will re visit.

 

[Shelley]

So I read all of Luke 13, the parable ending at verse 9. Chop down the unfruitful. Verse 10 Jesus goes onto heal a woman. Action Jackson. I believe grace is free. But I also believe you can't simply say you believe and be saved. The demons believe.

 

[Jim]

So I read all of Luke 13, the parable ending at verse 9. Chop down the unfruitful. Verse 10 Jesus goes onto heal a woman. Action Jackson. I believe grace is free. But I also believe you can't simply say you believe and be saved. The demons believe.

Just read your thoughtful comment Shelley. My take is that we cannot contribute one iota to His grace otherwise it ceases to be grace (Rom 4:4-5; 11:6) Jesus paid it all, every ounce - we are saved by HIS finished work. To add to His work for salvation by our good works would be saying his death is not enough to save us. Ephesians 2:8-10 helps me see things a little clearer .... we are not saved BY works but saved FOR works. Even the works we perform after we have been saved, upon believing in Jesus, are really His Spirit empowering us (creating the desire and energy to do Father's will) so that God gets ALL the glory - so cutting out boasting about ourselves or elevating any man (Isa 26:12; 1 Cor 15:10) - Jim

 

[Lori Jane]

Interesting points @Jim. What are your thoughts of the three tenses of salvation? like in this article https://www.simplybible.com/f066-sure-saved-in-three-tenses.htm

 

[Jim]

Thanks Lori for the link - it explains things well. Similarly, adoption is mentioned in different tenses too: past, when we became believers we were legally adopted fully as adult sons with all debts cancelled and received His inheritance; and future at the resurrection when we enter into the heavenly reality of our adoption and the wonder of our glorious inheritance. So, it comes as no surprise that sanctification, reconciliation and eternal life are also described as completely finished (Heb 10:10,14) and yet in a further sense ongoing in that we should live out whom we have already become in Christ.
For example: The Promised land was given as an inheritance to Israel but Joshua stepped out – not to achieve the inheritance – but to explore what they had been given (Joshua 1:3). Or, to put it another way, I may possess all the books on my bookshelves, but I may read and learn from them more and more. That doesn’t mean they do not yet belong to me. Like the culmination of a legal engagement to the full-blown wedding day and honeymoon, our relationship with Christ through the new covenant blossoms. In other words, first BE in order to then BEhave. We find counsel on conduct given in the NT is linked back to who we already are in Christ (1 Pet 2:9-12; 1 John 2:12-17). If we try to improve our personality and behaviour without the indwelling Spirit of Christ we will be in the same position as ancient Israel – striving, falling, guilty and condemned. We have been given a new saved identity, now we go and grow to maturity!

 

[Shelley]

Just read your thoughtful comment Shelley. My take is that we cannot contribute one iota to His grace otherwise it ceases to be grace (Rom 4:4-5; 11:6) Jesus paid it all, every ounce - we are saved by HIS finished work. To add to His work for salvation by our good works would be saying his death is not enough to save us. Ephesians 2:8-10 helps me see things a little clearer .... we are not saved BY works but saved FOR works. Even the works we perform after we have been saved, upon believing in Jesus, are really His Spirit empowering us (creating the desire and energy to do Father's will) so that God gets ALL the glory - so cutting out boasting about ourselves or elevating any man (Isa 26:12; 1 Cor 15:10) - Jim

Very nice scriptures. Knowing we don't earn salvation and that it is a free gift is wonderful. I'll accept mine, unwrap it and put it to good use.