6 Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. 7 Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9 NLT)
Some football games come down to the very last play, the last chance to either win or lose the game. But football is only a game. Some people play games with their lives. They only live for themselves. They do not live for the Lord. As a result, their lives do not produce any of the fruits of faith.
Jesus told this parable to warn people that they need to live productive lives in response to God's gifts of faith and forgiveness. Jesus warns that after one last chance that the unproductive life, like the fruitless tree, will be cut down. If your life is not producing the fruits of faith, don't miss your last chance.
8 “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. 9 If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9 NLT)
Some football games come down to the very last play, the last chance to either win or lose the game. But football is only a game. Some people play games with their lives. They only live for themselves. They do not live for the Lord. As a result, their lives do not produce any of the fruits of faith.
Jesus told this parable to warn people that they need to live productive lives in response to God's gifts of faith and forgiveness. Jesus warns that after one last chance that the unproductive life, like the fruitless tree, will be cut down. If your life is not producing the fruits of faith, don't miss your last chance.