‘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.’
Luke 13:8-9 NIV
In Luke 13:8-9, Jesus continues His parable with a poignant dialogue between the vineyard owner and the caretaker. This follow-up to the previous verses underscores God’s rightful expectation of fruitfulness. Additionally, it also introduces the looming danger of fruitlessness.
The owner said to the caretaker, “For three years now I have 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?” There is a significant danger that lies ahead for every fruitless believer. Just as the owner commanded the fig tree to be cut down for failing to produce fruit, God will eventually give His judgment on those who fail to bear fruit for Him.
The owner’s patience is noteworthy. He had been coming for three years. He was making necessary provisions to care for this fig tree, and personally visiting the tree to look for fruit. In fact, his demand for fruit was not through a proxy; he came himself. Despite the repeated fruitlessness, he did not command the tree to be cut down after the first, second, or even third year. However, after continuous barrenness, the owner finally gave the command to cut it down. It is not unreasonable for God to expect fruit from your life. If He keeps coming and finds no fruit, there is a fate that lies ahead: He will soon give the judgment for you to be cut down.
Meanwhile, in the midst of this stern warning, we see the heart of Christ, our Advocate. He is pleading for more time, offering His grace, and holding back the impending judgment. Christ intercedes on our behalf, asking for more time to nurture and tend to our spiritual growth. He commits to digging around the roots of our lives, enriching us with His teachings, and fertilising us with His grace and mercy. This act of intercession is a profound reminder of His love and patience, even as He anticipates the fruits of righteousness from our lives.
Yet, the parable also carries a stark warning: the time granted is finite. The expectation of fruitfulness remains, and continued barrenness invites the risk of judgment. This dual message of grace and urgency calls us to reflect deeply on our spiritual state. Are we responding to Christ’s nurturing with growth and fruitfulness, or are we risking the dire consequences of fruitlessness?
No matter how long the ‘one more year’ may be for you, remember that it is still finite. Even if it spans your entire lifetime, the window of opportunity will close one day. Therefore, see to it that you do not take God’s grace in vain. Do not waste God’s abundant love and provisions, especially His grace in Christ Jesus, our Advocate.
The parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s rightful expectation of fruitfulness and the looming danger of continued barrenness. It highlights Christ’s role as our Advocate, pleading for more time and offering His grace to help us grow. However, the time for bearing fruit is finite, and the consequences of fruitlessness are severe. Let us take this message to heart and strive to bear lasting fruit that glorifies God and fulfils our divine purpose.
