It Has Been A Year...

 Jesus spoke a parable in response to people asking about the current events surrounding the blood of the Galileans that Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. Many were questioning whether this the end. The answer Christ gave was measured against their persons rather than against the misfortune or injustice on others. Christ responded with more current events referring to the souls which perished when the Tower of Siloam fell. He asks if they were exceedingly sinful above the sinners in Jerusalem. Jesus then uses the parable that I was called to remember last night in my sleep. 

Luke 13:6-9

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.

That is the end of the parable. To us we know there is more. To those gathered around they didn't have the bible as we have it today. So, When Christ spoke these words they weren't misapplied. There was not a hidden message. Jesus was speaking to them directly. He was using an illustration that struck the chord in their hearts. There was no doubt that he was referring to their lack of repentance. He previously stated this in the verses dealing with the fallen tower and killed Galileans. 

A fig tree had been planted and it was not producing fruit although it had good ground and good seed. The tree failed to yield fruit. It was without excuse. The man didn't blame the Dresser. He didn't blame the soil. He didn't blame the crows or the weather. He blamed the tree. He didn't question the work ethic of the vinedresser. He didn't question the times they were in. He blamed the tree. 

The Tree was given everything necessary to produce fruit. The Dresser, knowing the vineyard having been in it for years, intervened and asked if he could do some more detailed work on the tree. He would cultivate the soil. He would fertilize it. He wanted to give it another year. The owner wanted to destroy the tree so it would not cumber the ground any further. Isn't it sad that the tree was less valuable than dirt?)

We see that the tree was given an extension of life. The Dresser had a year to dig it and dung it before it was discarded. Make no mistake when we read this; it wasn;t going to be transplanted into another field for a few years. The tree was going to be broken off and burned in the fire. It was going to be refused. There was no coming back to this unprofitable tree. 

Fast forward a year from this time. Jesus made his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people thronged the way waving palm branches, laying their coats on the ground and cheering 'Hosanna! Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed be the kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the highest.' 

Jesus entered into Jerusalem, looked around upon all things, and went out with his disciples unto Bethany (Mark 11.) 

THE NEXT DAY, Jesus saw the fig tree afar off and having leaves, he came, haply. 

Haply means (by chance, luck, on accident) 

Jesus had surveyed the parable of the fig tree the day before. The same crowd that escorted him in with pomp and circumstance went back about their day. There was leaves. There was activity. There was no fruit. It was just a burdensome tree. It cumbered the ground and was a waste of potential. Jesus cursed the tree. No man would EVER eat fruit of that fig tree ever again. It wasn't seasonal. It as a severed end. That tree was done. That tree had failed to do its job. That tree was a false flag. It should have had fruit since it had leaves. Even if it wasn't time for the fig season. 

Jesus entered into Jerusalem, the same city that celebrated his coming the day before, and they were short cutting the sacrifices, desecrating the temple, and dishonoring God with their dishonesty. Jesus put an end to all of this. The Scribes and Pharisees heard of it and they sought how they might destroy Christ. They feared Christ not because of his person but because of his presumed popularity with the people. 

As Christ walked back out of the city on the way back to Bethany, Peter noticed the cursed fig tree and how it was withered away. Jesus tells them to have faith in God. The third entry into the city Christ was met with oppositon. The first entry Christ had faced involvement. The second day Christ had faced indifference. The third day Christ faced indignation. HOW DARE he over throw the figless tree? How dare he dig it and dung it? By whose authority did he do these things? 

Jesus goes on with more parables of a rented out vineyard and men who killed the owner's son. He was asked about Political affiliation; Christ rejected political affiliation. He IS KING of Kings. He was asked about heritage and lineage. Christ IS THE SEED. HE was asked about so many rapid fire questions to try and put him into a corner. Jesus at last departs Jerusalem overlooking the city and cries out a lamenting proclamation against them. A cry of despair, dereliction and destruction. It was being thrown into the fire. He had given the people another year. 

My friend; it has been a year. You have all things pertaining to life and godliness. Got figs? 

If God spared not the natural branches; what makes you think he will spare you? 

Abide in him and he in you - bring forth much fruit.