May 31, 2026 · Mark Bishop
Fig Tree
“And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’””
Luke 13:6-9 →
## Time
One question that is never answered in this passage is how long the fig tree has been actually planted in the vineyard. We do know a man came seeking fruit from it for three years, but what we don't know is how long prior it had been planted. Fig trees are simple to grow, but getting them to produce is a different story. New fig trees can take up to three to five years before they ever start producing, so it's safe to assume the tree has been in the vineyard for at least three years. The first few years of production can be slow, but once it starts producing consistently you can expect at least two crops per season. There are three reasons that a fig tree isn't producing. The first and most common is it's too young. The fig tree needs time to produce just like animals. The tree must get maturity on its side to start producing. The second reason it may not produce fruit is too much nitrogen, which is often found in the wrong type of fertilizer. Finally, the third is the water supply is overflowing or lacking. Both the vinedresser and the owner of the vineyard knew the facts of the tree and expected fruit, which leans toward the factor that the tree is at least three years before the owner came to visit the first time. So we can safely assume that the owner has been visiting this fig tree for at least six years, and still gave it one more year (seven total) in deciding its fate to be removed or left.
## Fix the Problem
The vinedresser said he would try to fix it by digging and adding manure. In other words, the vinedresser was going to make sure it would be without excuse not to produce fruit. John the Baptist said in Luke 3:8-9, "Bear fruits in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” God saves us by accepting Jesus as the sacrifice for our sins, and renews us with His Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-7). Jesus gave a command to "go and make Disciples," (Matthew 28:18-20) and again we find that true Disciples of Christ will bear fruit (Matthew 7:20; John 15:8). If you're not producing this fruit, then there is an issue- especially if you are supposedly mature in Christ. God covered Adam and Eve's nakedness with fig leaves (Genesis 3:21), which ties in here with the grace He gives just "one more time".
## Self-Check
Jesus gave His Disciples three years or so, and felt they were mature enough to accomplish the task given to them. It's tough to think about, but we need to address it. Are you producing fruit? If not, ask God to give you grace and help you produce fruit. Be part of the solution. What are ways you can produce fruit?
## Mishna Missed It