Merriam-Webster defines a parable as a short story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson; especially one of the stories told by Jesus Christ and recorded in the Bible.
There are three points of symbolism in this parable spoken by Jesus. The Owner is God. The Keeper is Jesus and the tree represents both Israel and individuals.
The Owner (God) owns the land and everything on it. Likewise, He desires and expects that the trees in His vineyard bear fruit.
The Keeper (Jesus) is charged with tilling, watering, feeding and pruning the trees in the vinyard. He has the same expectation that they will produce fruit.
The scriptures prove out that though Israel did not receive the loving care offered by the Keeper of the vinyard, many individuals did, during the time the Keeper walked on the earth. We know that many would follow after He ascended, to the moment I write this.
The owner (God) has made the decision that it is time for cutting down the trees that bear no fruit. The owner (God) has a limit to His patience. What purpose is served by continuing to expend energy feeding, watering and nuturing when the tree bears nothing? The owner (God) says to cut those bearing no fruit, down. He desires that the Keeper (Jesus) put His energy into the trees that desire to give their life to bearing fruit for the vinyard and its owner (God).
The Master Keeper (Jesus) has become attached to the trees entrusted to Him. He has worked with them continually trying to bring them to a fruitful state. He has invested blood, sweat and tears into bringing the trees in the vinyard to something more than worthless sticks in the ground. They are soaking up all the goodness and blessings their relationship with the Keeper has brought them and yet they are not willing to give anything back.
The Keeper (Jesus) has spent a lot of time caring for the trees. He asks for more time from the Owner (God) to water and feed. If they still refuse to produce, then they can be cut down. The Owner and the Keeper agree. The mention of three years is not merely a coincidence. Jesus’ ministry would last approximately three years.
Thought For Today:
There was a tree who believed in the Keeper for many years. Many years were spent just blowing in the wind, basking in the rays of the sun. Loving the care and the forgiveness of the Keeper, even in the non-bearing times. Receiving the living water and the food. Tender pruning here and there trying to boost the tree to produce. There were some good years when the fruit came forth and then there would be non-bearing times. There came a time when serious pruning happened in the life of this tree. It became clear that there was a season coming when seeking the tender, loving care of the Keeper would be what brought the tree to life again. Its very survival in a very difficult season was dependent on the close care the Keeper provided. A series of pruning events that finally brought the sweet, fragrant blooms which were a sign to the Keeper. Fruit was iminent. His pruning was successful. He got the trees attention.
I was that tree. I am nowhere near my full potential as a fruit bearing believer, but I am closer than I was. What kind of tree are you? Pruning is painful. The Keeper desires that the least amount of pruning be necessary to bring forth what He desires in our lives. He was pressed in His walk to the cross. He desires that we complete our journey to life eternal. If need be, He will make major pruning events to press us to a closer walk with Him.
It is the season to remember the sacrifice Jesus made for His beloved vinyard. He desires that none should die but live eternally with Him. He put nothing less than His own blood, sweat and tears into those entrusted to Him. He is waiting with the utmost patience. There will be a day, when His patience and that of the Owner will come to an end. We don’t want to wait until that day. Today is a good day to say yes to Jesus, the Keeper of the vinyard.
Scripture For Today:
Luke 13:6-9
6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, ‘Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?’ 8 But he answered and said to him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.9 And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’ ” (NKJ)
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! I thank You for the prunings You allowed in my own life. They were life changing for me. Trusting Jesus brings not only forgiveness and mercy but the careful support that enables us to grow and bear good things under the careful pruning by His hands. We pray for hearts that desire to include Jesus in each and every moment of our lives. That we flourish under His care. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All rights reserved.