6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. 7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? 8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. (Luke 13:6-9 KJV)
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
This parable is intended to enforce the warning just given: “Except you repent, you will all likewise perish; unless you change, you’ll be ruined, just like the barren tree that, unless it bears fruit, will be cut down.”
It primarily refers to the nation of the Jews. God chose them, gave them special privileges to know and serve Him, and expected them to respond with obedience that would glorify Him. But they failed—rather than honoring their calling, they brought shame upon it. Because of this, God determined to reject them and take away their privileges.
But, through Christ’s intercession—as Moses interceded in times past—He gave them more time, showing mercy by sending apostles to call them to repentance and offer pardon. Some did repent and bear fruit, and all went well with them. But most remained unrepentant and unfruitful, and about forty years later they were destroyed, just as John the Baptist had warned (Matthew 3:10). This parable expands on that saying.
It also serves to awaken all who enjoy the means of grace and the privileges of the visible church to live in a way that matches their profession, because fruit is what God seeks.
The fig tree had many advantages. It was planted in a vineyard—better soil and more care than other fig trees, which typically grew by the roadside (Matthew 21:19). This tree belonged to a man who invested in it. The church is God’s vineyard, distinct from the rest, and enclosed (Isaiah 5:1-2). By baptism, we are planted in this vineyard and enjoy a place in the visible church, a great privilege. God has not dealt so with other nations.
The owner came looking for fruit, and he had every reason to expect it. He didn’t just send someone—he came himself, eager to find fruit. Christ came to His own people, the Jews, seeking fruit. God expects results from those in His vineyard. He watches those who hear the gospel to see if they are changed by it. Leaves won’t do—saying “Lord, Lord” isn’t enough. Blossoms won’t do—starting well isn’t enough. There must be fruit: thoughts, words, and actions aligned with gospel light and love.
But he found none—not a single fig. It’s sad how many enjoy gospel privileges but bring no honor to God. It disappoints and grieves His Spirit.
He complains to the dresser of the vineyard: “I come seeking fruit and find none—looking for grapes, but find wild grapes.” This grieves Him.
He adds two aggravating points. First, He had waited a long time. He came for three years—possibly pointing to three periods of ministry or even Christ’s three years of public preaching. God is very patient with those who don’t bear fruit, but that patience is often abused, which leads to greater judgment. How many times has God come to many of us and found no fruit—or next to none?
Second, the tree didn’t just fail to bear fruit—it was harmful. It cumbered the ground. It took up the space that a fruitful tree could have had and did harm to others. People who don’t do good often end up doing harm. They discourage the godly and embolden the wicked. The harm is worse if the tree is large or has stood a long time.
The owner gives the sentence: “Cut it down.” He says this to the dresser—to Christ, to whom judgment is committed, and to ministers who are to declare God’s warnings. No one should expect anything else of a fruitless tree. Just like the unfruitful vineyard is dismantled (Isaiah 5:5-6), unfruitful trees are removed (John 15:6). God may cut it down with judgments—especially spiritual ones—or by death, casting it into hell. And rightly so, for why should it take up space?
But the dresser pleads for the tree. Christ is the great Intercessor. Ministers also intercede. Those who tend the vineyard should also pray for it. We should pray for those we preach to. The dresser asks for a reprieve: “Let it alone this year also.” He doesn’t ask that it never be cut down, just not yet—not now. He’s saying, “Don’t take away the care; don’t withhold the rain; don’t uproot it yet.”
It is desirable to have a barren tree spared. Some haven’t yet received grace to repent, but it’s still a mercy to have time to repent—like the 120 years given to the people before the flood. We owe it to Christ’s intercession that we haven’t been cut down already. Without Him, the world would have perished with Adam’s sin. Because He said, “Let it alone,” we are still here. We are encouraged to pray, “Lord, let them alone a little longer. Give them more time.” Reprieves are temporary: “This year also”—a short but sufficient trial. God may bear a little longer, but not forever. Reprieves can be granted through others’ prayers, but pardons require our own repentance, faith, and prayers.
The dresser promises to act during the reprieve: “I will dig around it and fertilize it.” Our prayers must be matched with our efforts. He implies, “Maybe I haven’t done all I should. Give me time, and I’ll do more.” We must pray for grace and resolve to do our part. When we pray for grace—whether for ourselves or others—we must also use the means of grace. Ministers must be faithful. The dresser will dig and fertilize. Fruitless Christians need both the sharp digging of the law to break up hardened hearts and the rich encouragement of gospel promises to nourish them. Both are needed.
He concludes: “Let’s give it one more year. If it bears fruit—great.” There’s still hope. If it bears fruit, all will rejoice. God will be pleased and glorified. Ministers will be encouraged, and the repentant will become a joy on earth and a crown in heaven. Even the angels will rejoice. The tree will no longer be a burden, but a blessing to the vineyard. It will be blessed by God (Hebrews 6:7), pruned to bear more fruit (John 15:2), and eventually be transplanted from earth’s vineyard to heaven’s paradise.
But if not—“Then you shall cut it down.” Even though God is patient, He will not always wait. Barren trees will be cut down and cast into the fire. The longer He waits and the more grace He offers, the worse the judgment will be if there’s no change. To be cut down after so much care and pleading is terrible.
Cutting down is necessary, but not something God delights in. The owner tells the dresser, “You cut it down.” But the dresser replies, “If it must be done, then you do it—let me not be the one.” Those who pray and labor for others will, if there’s no repentance, agree with God’s judgment. Even their best friends will say, “Lord, you are just,” and praise His righteous acts (Revelation 15:3-4).