Parable of Sterile Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9).

Parable of Sterile Fig Tree (Luke 13:6-9)

This short parable is found inthe Gospel of Saint Luke in chapter 13. Jesus chose an example from the countryside around him in Palestine: a fig tree in a vineyard, a master and his winemaker who took care of the estate. Through this parable Jesus offers a meditation on the infinite patience of God toward man. Discover the whole parable and its explanation.

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The parable of Sterile Fig Tree in the Gospel of Luke

“A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’  ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.” (Luke 13:6-9) 

Explanation of the Parable Of The Sterile Fig Tree

Through this parable, Jesus presents the Heavenly Father legitimately seeking the fruit of his creation. Yet the fig tree to which HE turns, has produced nothing, and this has been for three years already. This fig tree represents the man who does not walk the path of God, the man who does not listen to the Word and does not put it into practice, the man who does not remain in the Divine Will. Such a person produces nothing for the Lord, he lives selfishly, never turning his gaze toward the Father. Yet the Creator has given him life and expects in return his participation in divine works: to propagate the Kingdom of God on Earth. However, the master of the vineyard decides not to cut down the fig tree on the field, he chooses the way that the winemaker, Jesus, offers him. The Heavenly Father gives the fig tree an additional chance, one more year and special care to bear fruit. Thus acts God with man, with infinite patience, he grants him all His graces to the end and puts within his reach all possible means so that he bears fruit. To the end God believes in man and wants to lead him to His Kingdom, Heaven.

Bear fruit for God with Hozana

Bearing fruit for God can be done in a multitude of ways. Everyone has their place, mission, and vocation and all are useful for the plans of the Lord!

Here are some examples of good ways to work on the works of God :

• The missionary calling: Meditate and pray for the missionaries of God to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth!
• Pray for the deceased.
• Living Holiness in the Family and in everyday Life: Receive a commented gospel passage every day, and learn about holiness in everyday life!