The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
Jesus is the perfect storyteller. A parable is a small story that teaches a big idea in order to get our heart and expose our sin. The parable of the barren fig tree teaches that God cares about fruitfulness. We’re not saved by our fruit, but we’re saved to good fruit. Even when we’ve been fruitless, God’s heart is not to cut us down and throw us in the fire. God’s heart is to give us more time for him to work on us. By the grace of God, we can be fruitful. Pastor Mark gives some principles for being fruitful: (1) cultivate your relationship with the Holy Spirit; (2) repent of sins; (3) count your figs; (4) measure fruitfulness, not busyness; (5) learn from fruitful people; (6) be an activist, not a fatalist; (7) turn your pains into plans; and (8) use your manure.