Episode 85: The Fig Tree in the Vineyard

These are two very full-on metaphors for the immediate audience of Jesus - the fig tree and the vineyard have both been used to describe Israel as a people through the Old Testament prophets.  So for Jesus to address these metaphors in such a distinct way is worth exploring! Special show note: Some of what I've said may for some indicate hints of "replacement theology."  This is not deliberate and I'm not looking to make any point for or against that thinking in this episode.  That said, the parable does lead us to wonder whether the parabolic "fig tree" was eventually "chopped down" or not!  The 'cursing of the fig tree' later in the gospel accounts, as well as the events of AD70, do call us to consider what that means for Israel after that time.  I think at the very least a case can be made for the vineyard and fig tree metaphors to include the church today even if the church does not replace the original application.  Feel free to contact me on Facebook if you want to interact with that more!