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 fertilise it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’” 
(Luke 13:6-9)

 Luke 13:1-9 

Parents strive to provide for their children. They nurture them, teach them faith in God, and educate them. There are times when parents experience pain and frustration when their child behaves in a way contrary to their faith and teachings. These parents may ask their children to leave home to prevent further disruption of family life. Maybe these parents will give this child a chance to mend their errant ways, return home to God and have a life of faith.

In this parable, the owner, God the Father, sees no fruit on the fig tree (the errant community) and wants the gardener (Jesus) to cut it down. The gardener asks for more time to tend and nurture the tree, giving the tree fertiliser and a chance to bear fruit. If it remains fruitless, it will be cut down.  

Jesus uses this parable to show how he orchestrates a reconciliation between God and his people. God expects godly fruit from his flock. Jesus is pleading with God for his people and working to save lives. Through Jesus’ intercession, God gives the people a second chance.

What kind of fig trees are we? Are we barren and needing a second chance to be pruned, tended and fertilised?

Are we bearing fruit, allowing God to prune and fertilise us? 

Reflections by Adri Sutherland

Merciful God,
This Lent, remove all the barren, non-fruit-bearing parts from us. Fertilise us daily with your word so we may bear much fruit to further your kingdom.
Amen.

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