“Whoever tends a fig tree will eat its fruit”. This natural process reflects a spiritual process. It takes time and effort to maintain a tree and subsequently enjoy the result. Similarly, our spiritual productiveness requires time and effort to maintain and grow.
Jesus could describe himself as the good shepherd, because his actions reflected that idea. Just as a good shepherd is willing to put the safety of the sheep above his own life, so Jesus was willing to sacrifice himself in order to protect the sheep that he led.
It is up to us to be familiar with the voice of the true shepherd, to follow him, for Jesus will give such people eternal life. Maintaining that relationship between sheep and shepherd is like tending a fig tree, it requires a frequent and continual commitment.