The Parable of the Trees

[Jotham said to them,] “The trees once went out to anoint a king over themselves.” – Judges 9:8 (NRSV) 

The olive tree didn’t want to be king, because who would then produce the oil that flavors food and blesses both the mighty and the lowly? The fig tree refused to reign over the forest, because who else could produce its sweet and delicious fruit?  

The trees then asked the grapevine to reign over them. But the vine said no, because—well, who wants to live in a world without grape juice and wine?  

Desperate, the trees begged the thorny bramble to be their ruler. “I’ll do it,” said the bramble, “but beware. As long as you honor and obey me, you can rest in my shade. But if you’re raising me up only to knock me down, I’ll burn you to the ground.” 

The trees had bought into the standard power–over model of leadership. We’ve all seen that movie, and it rarely ends well.  

Jesus resisted efforts to make him king—not only because Jesus was clear about his call and had clear boundaries, but also because he knew that true leadership involves serving others.  

He understood that it’s when we’re standing with each other and working together that we each discover our own God-given power, and everyone benefits.  

Perhaps we could imagine a forest where there is harmony. Where there’s more than enough olive oil, figs, and wine, along with some roses amid the thorns. Maybe we could imagine—and work together to build—a church where everyone pitches in and no one burns out.  

Prayer
God With Us who embraced the outcast, challenged the cheater, asked the lame if they wanted to be made well, and raised the dead: teach us to empower one another.

About the Author
Vicki Kemper is the Pastor of First Congregational, UCC, in Amherst, Massachusetts, and a spiritual director.