Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#81
Not particularly

Just like I don't try to read much into the number of fish and loaves as compared to the number of people fed or number of baskets gathered afterwards. I had tried to discover some ratio of comparison but thank God he chose numbers that don't seem to relate, and ran the scenario twice to further show that any ratio in the first set of numbers has no bearing on the next occurrence. That helps us avoid the minutiae and hopefully gather the greater meaning.

The important point of the miracles of feeding the multitudes wasn't some hidden meaning in the numbers but rather that God will provide for any need (if we're willing to have compassion on others; willing to acknowledge and use what little we DO have; and are willing to take the whole situation to God, asking IN FAITH for him to provide for the actual needs).
That could have been summarized by saying "have a working faith", but people seem to misunderstand what steps are involved for faith to actually be allowed to work.

Another important thing is to be able to convert a lesson in one area into action and real deliverance in another area. The disciples failed to do this with the fish and loaves lessons. A few hours later they found themselves in a new predicament (on the boat in the storm) and were supposed to use what they'd learned and take control of the situation (and storm). Jesus even stayed on shore to allow them space to step up. They reverted to fear instead. Lol. So Jesus had to, once again, show them how not to freak out at seemingly impossible situations (by walking on the water without so much as a boat..lol). The bible even explains that they failed because they'd failed to internalize the lesson from the loaves.

Mark 6:44-52

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
Fair enough, what about how the nation Israel has always been characterized by figs and fig trees?
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,348
12,872
113
#82
So how can the grace dispensation begin at acts 2 if you can be killed by God for lying to him?
Well did you check out the other Scriptures regarding the *SIN UNTO DEATH* under the Grace Dispensation? Lying to the Holy Spirit is just one example.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#83
Well did you check out the other Scriptures regarding the *SIN UNTO DEATH* under the Grace Dispensation? Lying to the Holy Spirit is just one example.
Any scripture, preferably from Paul, that talks about how under grace, God can kill you for lying to him?

When the Corinthians for example were sleeping with temple prostitues, did Paul remind them they are committing this sin unto death?
 

KelbyofGod

Senior Member
Oct 8, 2017
1,881
717
113
#84
Fair enough, what about how the nation Israel has always been characterized by figs and fig trees?
Hadn't really paid attention to that part.

My main concern is what could he be trying to tell ME in this parable? How can I use it to avoid trouble or gain righteousness? Are there areas in my life where I'm like that fig tree?




Also, if they were used to seeing themselves in references to fig trees He may well have chosen a fig tree so they could more easily understand that it applies to them.

Love in Jesus,
Kelby
 

TheDivineWatermark

Well-known member
Aug 3, 2018
10,158
1,974
113
#85
Yep, all evidence points out to the doctrine that Jesus was speaking about the nation Israel in that parable.
Welp, like I said in my Post #44, I believe "THE VINEYARD" is "the house of ISRAEL" (per Isaiah 5:7), not the "fig tree" itself, which is something he "PLANTED *IN*" his vineyard [/PLANTED IN Israel the vineyard]. So something distinct from Israel itself. But you are free to believe as you like.





[ Lk13:6 - "A certain man had a fig tree planted IN his vineyard [/Israel]; and he came seeking fruit on it, and not did find any." I do not believe "Israel" fits into BOTH of the underlined slots, above, but that the "fig tree" item is something distinct from the "vineyard/Israel" item ]
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,076
3,966
113
mywebsite.us
#86
Jesus speaking in the future tense. I will be build my church upon the rock of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
How does this answer my question regarding the post you made below?

Is not believing in the d,b,r for sins the requirement to be a part of the body of Christ, the Church? Paul says yes.
Where in scripture does Paul declare this requirement?
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,076
3,966
113
mywebsite.us
#87
What part(s) of post #5 do you disagree with PennEd?
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,076
3,966
113
mywebsite.us
#88
Well did you check out the other Scriptures regarding the *SIN UNTO DEATH* under the Grace Dispensation? Lying to the Holy Spirit is just one example.
"I am all ears..." :)

Do you have a list to post pointing us to all of the specific 'sin unto death' types of sins?
 

GaryA

Truth, Honesty, Love, Courage
Aug 10, 2019
9,076
3,966
113
mywebsite.us
#89
There was an overlap of the end-of-the-law and the start-of-the-church. It was the span of time which was the ministry of Christ.

The Body of Christ - the Church - began on the day Christ was baptized - when - God [the Father] identified Him as the Messiah and "annointed" Him as Head of His Body/Church.

In this particular sense, Christ was the first 'member' of the Body of Christ - the 'head' (in fact, He had to be the first 'member' of that Body). He then set out (immediately, in fact) to add to (or 'grow' or 'increase') that Body. He did this throughout His ministry.

Many more were added to His Church at Pentecost; however, His Body/Church already existed since long before that.

There is evidence in the context of scripture that the Body/Church existed during the ministry of Christ.

It is there - look for it.

(I will try to see if I can "dig up" a good example from scripture...)
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,348
12,872
113
#90
Do you have a list to post pointing us to all of the specific 'sin unto death' types of sins?
Not a list, but some Scriptures.

THERE IS A SIN UNTO DEATH (PREMATURE PHYSICAL DEATH)
If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (1 Jn 5:16)

Brethren, if any of you [CHRISTIANS] do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner [THE SINNING BROTHER OR SISTER] from the error of his way shall save a soul from death [THE SIN UNTO DEATH], and shall hide a multitude of sins (James 5:19,20).

Note: On the surface this looks like it is speaking about the conversion of the unsaved, and the salvation of their souls. But since James says to Christians “if any of you do err from the truth” and “the error of his way” it is speaking about the sin unto death.

This is also how John Gill interpreted this verse: “...that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way; who is the instrument of restoring a backsliding professor, for such an one is meant by a sinner, and not a profane person; or of turning a poor bewildered believer, who is got out of the way of truth and holiness, into the right way again; or of convincing him of the error of his way, whether it be in point of doctrine, or of duty; and so of bringing him to the fold of Christ again, from whence he has strayed...”.

“A soul” or “souls” can simply mean “ a person” or “persons”. Also the context of James 5 makes it clear that he is speaking about the sins of the saints, and how they are connected to sickness and disease, and how confession of sins along with the prayer of faith of the elders can bring about healing.

PARTAKING OF THE LORD’S SUPPER WITHOUT SELF-EXAMINATION CAN LEAD TO DEATH (METAPHORICALLY CALLED “SLEEP”)
Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. (1 Cor 11:27-30)

LYING TO THE HOLY SPIRIT CAN LEAD TO DEATH
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost [DIED]: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.... Then Peter said unto her [Sapphira], How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying herforth, buried her by her husband. (Acts 5:3-5; 9,10)

DEFILING THE BODY (THE TEMPLE OF GOD) CAN LEAD TO DEATH
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. (1 Cor 3:16,17) Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body... Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Cor 6:13,18,19)

FORNICATION OR INCEST CAN LEAD TO RAVAGING DISEASE OR DEATH (1 CORNITHIANS 5)
1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ...

THE SIN UNTO DEATH CAN INVOLVE SATANIC ATTACKS ON THE BODY
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Cor 5:5) [Note: “that the spirit may be saved” indicates that this is not damnation]

Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. (2 Cor 13:10)

THE SIN UNTO DEATH IS CHASTISEMENT, NOT DAMNATION
For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned [ katakrinó: to give judgment against = damned] with the world. (1 Cor 11:31,32)

THERE ARE ALSO SINS THAT DO NOT RESULT IN DEATH
All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death. (1 Jn 5:17)

If we [CHRISTIANS] say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. (1 Jn 1:8-10)

Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin (Jas 4:17)

And he that doubteth is damned [condemned] if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (Rom 14:23)

Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law. (1 Jn 3:4)
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#92
Nice list [of scripture].

Just wanted to see what you would come up with.

Looks like you put a bit of effort into it.

Thanks.

:)
For Ananias and sapphira, Peter exercised the authority given by Jesus to deny them forgiveness of sins in John 20:23.

That was the part of the authority given to the 12 under the great commission
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#93
For Ananias and sapphira, Peter exercised the authority given by Jesus to deny them forgiveness of sins in John 20:23.

That was the part of the authority given to the 12 under the great commission

All Christian are given the gift to love one another. Not one is given the power to pay for their own sin .Let alone the sins of the whole world. That was a work the father and Son performed. The saints were not crucified for the sins of the world. They had the same power we do. Called: Not of our own selves lest any boast in false pride. We can forgive or hold a grudge in respect to the temporal .But he alone gives forgiveness or denies it in a eternal way.

The word apostles has a meaning attached to it. Adding new meaning to the word "sent one" (apostle) or Hebrew (shalach ) used when sending the apostle Moses . . can destroy the intended use in other passages.

12 is a remnant of all the apostles listed in the new testament .There are 27 listed directly to include Christ the apostle' and High priest of our faith . 12 apostles has another use .
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#94
All Christian are given the gift to love one another. Not one is given the power to pay for their own sin .Let alone the sins of the whole world. That was a work the father and Son performed. The saints were not crucified for the sins of the world. They had the same power we do. Called: Not of our own selves lest any boast in false pride. We can forgive or hold a grudge in respect to the temporal .But he alone gives forgiveness or denies it in a eternal way.

The word apostles has a meaning attached to it. Adding new meaning to the word "sent one" (apostle) or Hebrew (shalach ) used when sending the apostle Moses . . can destroy the intended use in other passages.

12 is a remnant of all the apostles listed in the new testament .There are 27 listed directly to include Christ the apostle' and High priest of our faith . 12 apostles has another use .
How do you understand John 20:23 then?

Its that part of the Great Commission that almost everybody, except the Catholics, skip over.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#95
How do you understand John 20:23 then?

Its that part of the Great Commission that almost everybody, except the Catholics, skip over.
.

Yes sent them out the "sent ones" two by two with the gospel the power of God. Not of the apostles . The dead apostles are not part of it .They are no longer here reigning with Christ. Which to the Catholics is their hope they still are .Its what they must call patron saints. and the Bible identifies as workers with familiar spirits (a legion 3,500 as rising) It was the subject matter in the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16.

Same applies today if they refuse the authority of all thing written in the law and the prophets (sola scriptura) then neither would they believe if a apostles who has left this realm under the Sun would appear.

I understand John 20: 23 according to what I would call the proper translation .Same kind found in Mathew 16:19 and Mathew 18: 18.

The Youngs literal translation describes it twice in the proper way in Mathew then in John . They did the same with the word sabbath . It would seem to be they did not apply it the proper hermeneutics .

The key is having first been in loosed (inspired from unseen) from heaven where inspiration comes from. Then it can be bound on earth on the hearts of men.

Catholics like the Jews because they did not walk by a exclusive a faith as it is written. They used loosening and binding law up side down .Again taking away the faith or understanding by which men can believe our father not seen and giving it to corruptible mankind


and I will give to thee the keys of the reign of the heavens, and whatever thou mayest bind upon the earth shall be" having been bound in the heavens", and whatever thou mayest loose upon the earth shall be "having been loosed in the heavens". Mathew 16:19

When a person make Peter the gospel key. Then its easy to how things are turned upside down and then a person does make the word of God without effect.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.'Mathew 16: 23

No power form the apostles.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#96
.

Yes sent them out the "sent ones" two by two with the gospel the power of God. Not of the apostles . The dead apostles are not part of it .They are no longer here reigning with Christ. Which to the Catholics is their hope they still are .Its what they must call patron saints. and the Bible identifies as workers with familiar spirits (a legion 3,500 as rising) It was the subject matter in the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16.

Same applies today if they refuse the authority of all thing written in the law and the prophets (sola scriptura) then neither would they believe if a apostles who has left this realm under the Sun would appear.

I understand John 20: 23 according to what I would call the proper translation .Same kind found in Mathew 16:19 and Mathew 18: 18.

The Youngs literal translation describes it twice in the proper way in Mathew then in John . They did the same with the word sabbath . It would seem to be they did not apply it the proper hermeneutics .

The key is having first been in loosed (inspired from unseen) from heaven where inspiration comes from. Then it can be bound on earth on the hearts of men.

Catholics like the Jews because they did not walk by a exclusive a faith as it is written. They used loosening and binding law up side down .Again taking away the faith or understanding by which men can believe our father not seen and giving it to corruptible mankind


and I will give to thee the keys of the reign of the heavens, and whatever thou mayest bind upon the earth shall be" having been bound in the heavens", and whatever thou mayest loose upon the earth shall be "having been loosed in the heavens". Mathew 16:19

When a person make Peter the gospel key. Then its easy to how things are turned upside down and then a person does make the word of God without effect.

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.'Mathew 16: 23

No power form the apostles.
Why not just examine the verse in the KJV directly first, before you bring in other passages?

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Sounds very clear to me what Jesus was literally telling the 11 there. They had the power to remit or retain sins.