13:6-9
This is another severe warning parable. Israel is the fig tree, it was planted by God and was supposed to bear fruit. It was supposed to show the nations how to live for God and to bring His goodness to the world, yet it produced nothing. The significance of three years is that the fig tree had had plenty of opportunity to produce fruit. Likewise, Israel had had ample opportunity. The problem was not that she was just a bit slow developing, nor that she had not had proper instruction. She had the Law. Moreover, when she got things wrong God sent the prophets. And she had had some good leaders. Even so, no fruit. So in the parable the fig tree is about to be cut down. The man who looked after the fig tree pleaded for more time and was given one more year, but then judgement would come. Israel needed to realise her plight and turn to God for mercy. This is still the case, until she recognises Jesus for who He is, and her need of Jesus she will never find true Shalom.
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