"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22
"...proving that this is very Christ." _ Acts 9:22

AUGUST 29th

THE BARREN FIG TREE (Continued)

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 13:1–9

 

1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.

2 And Jesus answering said unto them, Suppose ye that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?

3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

4 Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.

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.

 

     The same situation of man depending upon his own reasoning was present as Jesus was teaching in the Scriptures above. As when the judges ruled in the Old Covenant, people were doing what was right in their own eyes. So it continues today in many places. After rehearsing two scenarios of deadly blows, Jesus declared, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

 

     Jesus then spoke a parable of the barren fig tree. The fig tree was symbolic to the nation of Israel. However, the parable is for the commonwealth of Israel (Ephesians 2:12), or Israel after the spirit and not only the flesh. One must understand the power of the Gospel and learn that all are one in Christ. This parable will lose much of its true spiritual meaning if one chooses to isolate himself its teaching. The following Scriptures are included to engender proper understanding.

 

     Romans 2:29 But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

 

     Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

 

     Col 3:11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

Continued

 

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