Barren Fig Tree
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree tells the story of a man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard, which did not bear fruit for three years. The man decided to cut down the tree, but the gardener asked for one more year to cultivate it to see if it would bear fruit. The parable is often interpreted as a call to repentance. The barren fig tree represents Israel, which had failed to bear fruit despite having the Gospel. The gardener represents Jesus, who intercedes for sinners and gives them the ability and opportunity to repent.
This parable has significant context. In the Old Testament, the fig tree is often used as a symbol of Israel, as in Jeremiah 8:13 (INT), where it says, "I will take away their harvest, declares the Lord. There will be no grapes on the vine. There will be no figs on the tree." There are many symbolic references to figs and fig trees (תְּאֵנָה tᵊ'ēnâ) in the Old Testament, and some of these references are directly related to Christ's parable. In the New Testament, Jesus also cursed a fig tree (συκῆ sykē) in Matthew 21:18-19 (INT), which was seen as a symbol of judgment on Israel. The fact that the fig tree in the parable was given one more year to bear fruit is seen as a reference to the year of Jubilee (יוֹבֵל, ἄφεσις), a time of redemption, forgiveness, and restoration in both the Old and New Testaments.
This parable had important cultural implications. In the Middle East, figs were a valuable crop and a sign of prosperity. They were one of the "seven species" of fruits that were traditionally offered at the Temple. The fact that the fig tree did not bear fruit for three years showed failure and disappointment on multiple levels. The owner of the vineyard's frustration and desire to cut down the tree would have been understandable to Jesus' audience. However, the gardener's plea for more time and willingness to work to cultivate the tree shows a different perspective of patience and mercy. This parable teaches the importance of bearing fruit in one's life, but also the grace and patience of God in allowing us to make needed adjustments to turn our lives around. However, Matthew 21:18-19 warns that one should not procrastinate this gift.
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