Study 1 of 2 · The parable of the barren fig tree

  1. Study 1: The parable of the barren fig tree
  2. Étude 2 : Malédiction du figuier stérile

From the 3rd Passover to the start of the final week

  • PER230 The parable of the barren fig tree

    The parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13.6-9), reported only by Luke, illustrates God’s patience and the urgency of conversion. Jesus warns that every disciple who bears no spiritual fruit risks judgment, while emphasizing that God grants an additional time of grace. This text follows on from Luke 13.1-5 and carries a twofold message: a solemn warning and divine mercy.

    Luke 13.6-9 (King James Version) :
    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.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?And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

The last week before the arrest

  • PER282 Cursing of the Barren Fig Tree

    On Monday, March 28, AD 33, on the road from Bethany to Jerusalem, the Messiah Jesus curses a fig tree covered with leaves but bearing no fruit, and it withers at once. This act, reported by Matthew and Mark, is a miracle-parable symbolizing Israel: a great show of religion, but no real fruitfulness. Framing the cleansing of the Temple in Mark, this episode announces divine judgment on a barren piety.

    Mark 11.12-14 (King James Version) :
    And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate