THE PARABLE OF THE BARREN FIG TREE

                                                           Luke 13:6-9 (765)

   Introduction

        A.  The fig tree was the most valuable tree in Palestine.  Normally it didn’t produce

              for the first three years.

        B.  The owner had given the fig tree the necessary period of time and it was still un-

              productive, so he told the vine dresser to “cut it down.”  V7

        C.  The vine dresser suggested that the owner give the fig tree one more year for him      

              to “dig around it and fertilize it.”

        D.  This parable had an immediate meaning for the Jews. 

              1.  The people of Israel had turned down opportunities of God’s offer, and Jesus

              was the last opportunity for them.

        E.  The parable, also, has lessons for us.

   I.  Because the fig tree was useless, it was threatened with destruction (v7).  This parable

        teaches us that uselessness puts us in danger of spiritual decline.

       A.  The ultimate test of a person is found in the answer to this question, “Of what use

             am I to God?”

             1.  To be useful to God doesn’t necessarily mean doing “big” things.

                  Examples:

             2.  We can be useful to God by doing what we are capable of doing.

                  Examples:

             3.  Uselessness causes us to decline spiritually. Usefulness enables us to grow spiritually.

II.  The barren fig tree was in danger of destruction because it was taking up space in the vineyard

      without making any return.  V7

      A.  What benefits do I receive from the church?

      B.  What contributions do I make to the church?

      C.  Quote from George Bernard Shaw:

III. The fig tree was in danger of destruction because it wasn’t reaching its potential.v7

      A.  Comments by Charles Lamb about a man.

      B.  God doesn’t ask us to do more than we can, but He does demand that we do what we can.

IV. The barren fig tree was given one more opportunity.  Illustration.

      A.  Question:

      B.  If a person continues to refuse the opportunities given by God, he/she will find himself

            incapable of accepting.  Hebrews 10:26-31 (888)

Conclusion:  This parable teaches us: (1)_________________________________________. V9a

(2)_______________________________________________________________________ . V9b