Jesus told a story:
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)
It’s a waste of time. Not worth the effort put into it. Hasn’t amounted to a thing. Time to cut losses and move on. All logically correct statements. All justified by one who has made the initial financial investment. But while this one in Jesus’ story “owned” the tree, he apparently hadn’t done the planting himself, nor was he actively involved in the day to day care. He was just concerned with the season to season checking for fruit.
On the other hand, the gardener, likely the one that had done the initial planting, had his own sweat and energy invested in this tree. Soil indeed was valuable and couldn’t be wasted, but he came up with an alternative plan: making the soil better by digging, aerating, and fertilizing, as well as giving the tree more time. And he was willing to devote the considerable energy it would take to give the tree a longer chance at growing fruitful.
Two approaches to a situation that lacked results. And Jesus leaves us hanging. We don’t know the end of the story. More than that, we don’t even know who we are in the story. The result-seeking landowner? The gardener personally involved in helping to make a difference? Or the fig tree…that needs, if not forever, at least a little more time? You can bet Jesus had something in mind and was going to let us stew about it.
So are there any circumstances in your life or your congregation’s life where this story sneaks in by the back door? I have just noticed that it has not only snuck in the back door, but is now staring me in the face this week.
jnkuebler says
So, what has led you to Luke and the fig tree?
As for me, I probably identify most with the tree.
Elaine Dent says
In our two Bible studies we are talking about the stories Jesus told from Luke, based on a series by Eugene Peterson in his book, “Tell It Slant.” Today I feel like the fig tree that just got a reprieve.