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)
Commentary
This parable seems to have been added to reinforce the preceding warning. A fig tree planted in a vineyard would have every advantage of cultivation. In three years, young trees were expected to bear fruit, but the owner of this tree came for three more years seeking fruit and found none. It was therefore considered barren, unfit to take up space or use nourishment that could be better employed elsewhere. However, the vineyard keeper pleaded that it be spared for one more year, during which he would take proper measures to make it fruitful. If it still failed to produce fruit, then it should be cut down.
The Jewish nation seems to have been the primary subject. The Lord had long endured their unfruitfulness despite many advantages, and the time of His judgment was near. However, they would be spared a little longer so that the apostles and preachers of the gospel could make one last effort to bring them to repentance, faith, and holiness. If this failed, they would face destruction—Jerusalem would be ruined, ceremonial worship would end, and unbelieving Jews would be cast out of the church to make way for the calling of the Gentiles.
This parable also applies to all individuals who remain unfruitful despite receiving God’s grace. Though spared for a time by His patience, they will eventually be cut down by death and cast into hell unless they repent and bear fruits of repentance.
Some expositors interpret “the vineyard keeper” as Christ Himself. Indeed, God’s patience with sinners is the result of Christ’s mediation. However, Christ seems rather to be the Owner of the vineyard, who orders the barren trees to be cut down. The language may instead reflect the fervent prayers and zealous efforts of faithful ministers who strive to save people from destruction.