Parables of Jesus - Parable of the barren fig tree

Parable of the barren fig tree

Luke 13:6-9

King James Version (KJV)

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.

This parable comes when Jesus says about Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

Luke 13

New International Version (NIV)

Repent or Perish

13 Now there were some present at that time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 4 Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem?5 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.”

This parable speaks about the time for repentance. In the First instance the owner of the vineyard says to cut down the fig tree, as it didn't bear any fruit for three years. But the gardener says Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: - He says I will take care and make sure to make it fruitful, even then if it is not going to bring fruit, then thou shalt cut it down.

God wants everyone of us to be fruitful, he has given enough time for our repentance and a life that is enough to live Godly. 2 Peter 1:3 NIV His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 

Jesus says "John 15:7 (NKJV) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.

We need to have faith and response like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego -  "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."

. A prayer like Habakkuk.

Habakkuk 3:17-18

King James Version (KJV)

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:
18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.