Luke 13:6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.
This parable seems the epitome of grace. For three years this fig tree has failed to produce fruit. The owner was ready to cut it down. What’s the use of a fig tree if it doesn’t produce figs? The manager of the vineyard encouraged one more year of patience with the tree. He even proposed giving it extra care and fertilizer to help it produce.
Luke 13:7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
So what can I learn from this parable? Patience and grace. The owner gave it three years before discussing tearing it out. Care and grace. The manager wanted to give it extra time and care in this last attempt. Fruit and grace. A fig tree that does not produce figs is not very useful. The fruit is the entire point of the tree. As a Christian, my point, my fruit, is giving glory and honor to God for His grace to me.
Luke 13:8 “‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it.
Lord, Thank You for the parable of the fig tree this morning. Thank You for the reminders—for myself and others—of patience, care, grace, and fruit. Help me to bring You praise and glory always. Amen.
Luke 13:9 ‘If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
Have a blessed day.