"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. 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.’
“The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.’” Luke 13:6-9
Many times during the three year public ministry of Jesus, He taught using stories known as parables. Sometimes He explains the meaning of the story, other times He explains what the stories mean only to His closest followers at the end of the day.
But a few times, He just tells the story but there was no mention of an explanation as to what it means.
Now, far be it for me to say that I can explain this parable. And there have been countless people who have given their own take on this. You, yourself most probably would have your own ideas about this.
Now if you want to hear my take, it simply is that people are given an opportunity to bear fruit. Jesus taught for three years, and it is a good amount of time for anyone to listen to the gospel and see if they would accept it. Although even with such a long time, Jesus still gives one more (extra) year in case it is still not enough.
The extra time being, more opportunities to listen and understand what the gospel really is. If this extra "grace" period works, then all will be well. If after being given all the opportunities, plus extra opportunities and still nothing, then, death comes, which would mean total separation from the God of the universe.
That is why the bible says "whoever has ears, let them hear" (at least 14 times).
How many times, do you need?
No comments:
Post a Comment