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Then Jesus told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it, If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’” (Luke 13:6-9)

“This parable means that God offers patience and opportunities for repentance, but ultimately expects the bearing of spiritual fruit as evidence of growth. The act of cutting down the fig tree signifies judgment for those who remain unproductive despite the opportunities and care provided by the Lord. A key lesson of this parable is that it illustrates God’s patience and willingness to give us time to repent and bear fruit in our lives. However, this patience has a limit, and we should not take it for granted. The vine dresser’s request for more time to tend to the fig tree represents the opportunities God gives us to turn from our unproductive ways and start producing spiritual fruit. The owner’s initial desire to cut down the barren tree serves as a warning of the eventual judgment that will come upon those who fail to live a fruitful Christian life. The expectation for the fig tree to bear fruit is akin to the expectation that Christians will show evidence of their faith through their actions and character. As a Christian, you should reflect on your spiritual condition, make the most of your time and grace given by God, and strive to live a life that bears good fruit. You can do this by praying to the Lord and asking for the Holy Spirit to guide you in bearing good spiritual fruit. The gardener’s intervention to fertilize and care for the tree suggests that, with divine help and personal effort, it is possible to change and become fruitful in our spiritual lives.” (Biblevise)

I find it fascinating that folks can call themselves Christians and yet do not follow Jesus in the way they live their lives. At St. John’s, we put politics aside and help you to build a relationship with Jesus Christ. We teach children in our Sunday school and in our nursery school that they are loved by God. We are all asked to love God and to love one another. Today, we will feed the homeless. Tomorrow, we will cloth the naked at our Thrift Shop and visit the sick and homebound folks. Sunday, we will bring food to feed the hungry. Monday, I will go to the day shelter and pray for some men in very difficult situations. Tuesday, we invite everyone to learn to read the bible in Alpha at 6:00 pm. We encourage non-believers to join us so that we might bring them living water. After that we will grow organic vegetables from seed with our children and do all that God calls us to do and be.

You are the fig tree in the parable. Please join us and bear fruit.

In Christ, 
Fr. Duncan