Read Luke 13:6-9

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. 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?'

"'Sir,' the man replied, 'leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.'"

Reflect

This fig tree has not borne fruit, even though it had many opportunities. The owner will give it one more grace period before cutting it down. The fig tree is a common symbol of Israel. Though it had many opportunities to repent and turn back to the Lord, Israel had not done so, as its rejection and murder of God's Messiah will show. Its final judgment awaits.

Respond

God's patience and graciousness is long-suffering. But we dare not presume upon it. This final story of coming judgment should motivate us to take every opportunity to extend God's invitation to repentance and new life. Jesus stands at the door and knocks. But he will not wait forever.