In Luke 13, Jesus spoke a parable discussing the need for repentance. He pictured a fig tree that did not bear fruit. The master of the vineyard told the keeper to cut it down, “why does it use up the ground?” (7). The keeper asked for another season to cultivate and fertilize it, with the hope that it would bear fruit. “And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down” (9).
The parable mirrors the petition made by Abraham to God, who had determined to destroy the city of Sodom, (Genesis 18:16-33). Abraham asked that the city be spared if fifty righteous souls could be found. He continued to intercede until God decided to spare the city if only ten righteous souls could be identified. Alas, the city was fully given over to ungodliness, and God destroyed the city.
A couple of things to note about the parable. First, there is no indication whether the master of the vineyard spared the tree for another season. (The petition was made, but we don’t know if it was granted). Second, without a change (from non-fruit bearing to fruit bearing) the fate of the tree was sealed.
How does this parable apply to us? First, we must note that our opportunity to repent is dependent upon God’s longsuffering. We may be granted a stay from judgment, but we have no guarantee beyond today! (cf. 2 Peter 3:9-10). Second, without repentance from our sins, our fate is also sealed. Twice in our context, our Lord said, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish” (3, 5).
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