Jesus, fresh off warning His disciples about His coming crucifixion, turns to the religious leaders, chiding them. “You can read the sky and predict if rain’s coming,” He says, “but you’re blind to the signs of these times!” He urges everyone to reconcile with God now, not waiting for judgment day. It’s like settling out of court with your adversary before the judge throws the book at you. Time’s running out; make peace with God before it’s too late.
Jesus’ tone shifts from hinting at action to a direct call to action, urging His followers to show what it truly means to follow Him and to exhibit genuine repentance.
Luke 13:6-7 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. 7 So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
Wow! Jesus is saying the owner of the fig tree is ready to get rid of it.
Luke 13:8-9 “ ‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’ ”
We’re handed a second chance, a moment to pivot. Jesus shouts to anyone with ears to hear, from then to now, that God seeks fruit in our lives – tangible proof of our faith. He’s looking for actions that mirror His character, a clear sign we’re His followers. It’s a call to ditch our sins and selfish ways, to get real about God, His Kingdom, and the harsh reality of a world destined for fire before He crafts a new one where we’ll live with Him eternally. With death looming, Jesus, fully aware of His impending crucifixion, was all business about His Father’s mission. He challenges us, His disciples, to match that intensity. He’s after fruit, evidence that we’re prioritizing God, living out His commands as we await His return.
Jesus is giving us a second chance, will we take it?
