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Leg 3 Day 32
“Parable of the Barren Fig Tree”
Jesus Through Us
Scripture:
LUKE 13:6-9
LUKE 13:6-9 (CEV)
Jesus then told them this story:
A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard. One day he went out to pick some figs, but he didn't find any. So he said to the gardener, “For three years I have come looking for figs on this tree, and I haven't found any yet. Chop it down! Why should it take up space?”
The gardener answered, “Master, leave it for another year. I'll dig around it and put some manure on it to make it grow. Maybe it will have figs on it next year. If it doesn't, you can have it cut down.”
Life Lessons from Jesus:
Similar to the other day, this passage refers to the sensation of having all the time in the world—the mistaken certainty that it can wait until tomorrow because it hasn’t yet happened today. Known as “The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree,” it speaks of urgency but also of God’s mercy and patience.
Just as Jesus is the patient caretaker who gives us everything we need to be successful in our walk with God, this tree is being properly cared for. It has everything it needs to grow and bear fruit. While our God is gracious, He is also looking for fruit in the lives of His people. Although the tree isn’t producing fruit, the caretaker is giving it the right resources and additional time to utilize them… an act of mercy to give it the opportunity to do what it’s meant to do.
Although its life isn’t cut short just because of its failure, the tree still faces the same fate as long as it continues this way. God gives us time and everything we need. But we still can’t keep pushing Him off. We don’t know when our season ends, so we have to start opening ourselves up and turning our lives around.
The WAY:
Consider these questions as you reflect on today’s reading:
In what specific areas of your life do you recognize God’s patience?
What resources does God provide us with so we can bear fruit?
Does this passage give you a greater sense of urgency in your relationship with God?
Prayer:
God, thank You for the patience and perseverance you show with every single one of us. You give us everything we need. Help us to recognize that and use it, so we can do Your work and our lives can be an example to others. In Your name, Amen.