The fate of a certain tree

There once was a good tree who was rooted in good soil, and who called himself by a Righteous man’s name, upon who’s land the tree grew. Time passed on, and the tree was entranced by the allure corrupt soil, and he began to heap upon his roots this corruption. “Sure it’s corrupt”, he thought, “but I won’t take it in, if it’s just sitting there.” Time passed, and the tree was transformed by the corruption that he heaped upon himself. A few who passed by heard the tree call himself still by this good name, and assumed therefore that the tree was still good. But when lawbreakers passed by, the tree became a lawbreaker with them. But still, those who had seen the tree grow, believed that the tree must still be good.

Then came the time for harvest. The tree blossomed forth, as did all the others. But when the Righteous man walked his land seeking fruit to nourish Him, he found this particular tree, and He saw that it’s fruit was corrupt. So then the words that the Righteous man spoke many years ago, came to pass. “Every tree that brings not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits you shall know them.” Mathew 7:18-20, Luke 6:43-44. See also James 3:12.

“Now in the morning as He returned into the city, He hungered. And when He saw a fig tree in the way, He came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforth forever. And presently the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If you have faith, and doubt it not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” Mathew 21:18-22, Mark 11:13 & 20-21.

“He spoke also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and He came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said He to the dresser of His vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why should it encumber the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and fertilize it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that you shall cut it down.” Luke 13:6-9