Daily EncouragementSample

This is the parable of the barren fig tree. The owner wants to cut it down, because it has failed to produce any fruit for three years. However, the man who takes care of the vineyard advocates giving the tree “one more year.”

The fig-tree is usually understood as symbolizing Israel. A. T. Robertson comments, “The Jewish nation is meant by the parable of the barren fig-tree. In the withering of the barren fig-tree later at Jerusalem we see parable changed to object lesson or fact.”

The context is our Lord’s word about the need for all to repent: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:1-5). The plea, “leave it alone for one more year” highlights the patience of God. Here is the gospel of the fourth chance. “He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

How tragic that Israel as a whole - not to mention the Gentile multitude - fails to realize where God’s kindness leads: “do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?” (Rom. 2:4). “One more year” needs to be heard as a word of warning, as well as a watchword of grace.