This chapter contains warnings about repenting (or we will perish), a parable of a barren fig tree, healing a woman with a disabling spirit, descriptions of the kingdom of God, an encouragement to “enter through the narrow door”, and a lament / prophecy over Jerusalem.
” ‘And [the vineyard owner] said to the vinedresser, “…for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down…” And he answered him, “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” …Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, “Lord, open to us,” then he will answer you, “I do not know where you come from.” ‘ ” (v7-9, 24-25)
Jesus’ has two key themes in this chapter: ‘you cannot flourish without fertilizer’ and ‘you will not enter the kingdom of God without proper provenance’.
The vineyard is a common metaphor in scripture. God is considered to be the vineyard owner, and Jesus the vine / soil in whom we are rooted. The Holy Spirit is like the vinedresser / fertilizer that prunes and nourishes us. If we are not ‘fertilized’ (receiving spiritual nourishment through scripture and relationship with God) will not bear fruit.
To enter the gates of Heaven we need proper ‘provenance’ or we will be declined entry (God will say “I do not know where you come from”). The ‘provenance’ required is our name written in the Book of Life (Rev 21:27). Jesus is the one who vouches for us, and writes our name in this book when we invite His salvation and claim Him as Lord.
Let’s heed these two warnings and take them very seriously. Even if we’re confident in how well we’re ‘fertilized’ and that we have ‘proper provenance’ in Heaven, I can almost guarantee we know at least one person of ‘unknown provenance’ who isn’t ‘bearing fruit’. Let’s partner with the Vineyard Owner, Vine, and Vinedresser to lovingly help ‘fertilize’ others, and encourage them to ‘apply for their heavenly provenance’.
Father God, our Vineyard Keeper and Lord, You are generous and steadfast in Your patience. Thank you for multiple opportunities to receive Your salvation and help in growing. May your promise of eternity and spiritual fruit be appealing to those around us, so they too would persue personal relationships with You. May we honor, glorify and serve You, with every word and action, loving our neighbors as Jesus does, and perform the work of Your kingdom. Amen.
~ Conqueror in Training