“Lord, please leave it as it is this year also.”
“Then He told this parable: A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. So he said to the keeper of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and have found none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the soil?’ And he answered him, ‘Sir, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. Then if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down’” (Luke 13:6–9).
(1) Today I would like to meditate on the lesson given through Jesus’ words in Luke 13:6–9, the parable of the barren fig tree, under the title: “Lord, please leave it as it is this year also.”
(a) First, I became curious about the connection between this parable in Luke 13:6–9 and the passage I meditated on yesterday morning, Luke 13:1–5.
(i) Luke 13:1–5 and 6–9 are closely connected by the themes of ‘repentance’ and ‘the delay of judgment.’ While verses 1–5 emphasize the necessity of repentance, verses 6–9 speak about the opportunity to repent.”
1. Continuity of theme: “Unless you repent, you will perish.”
In verses 1–5, Jesus refers to the Galileans who were massacred by Pilate and those who died in the collapse of the tower of Siloam, warning twice, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” Immediately following this solemn warning, the parable of the fig tree appears, visually illustrating the outcome of a life without repentance (being cut down).
2. “Fruit” as evidence of repentance
While verses 1–5 directly use the word “repentance,” the parable in verses 6–9 explains that repentance symbolically as “fruit.”
The owner looks for fruit on the fig tree. This signifies that God seeks evidence of genuine turning (repentance) in our lives.
A tree without fruit is considered useless, merely exhausting the soil, and thus becomes subject to judgment (being cut down).
3. God’s patience and the time of opportunity
The tragic events in verses 1–5 warn that death can come unexpectedly. In contrast, the parable in verses 6–9, through the gardener’s plea, “leave it alone this year also,” teaches that the reason we are still alive is not because we are without sin, but because of God’s mercy and patience.
Now is still a time of opportunity—a “year of grace.” However, this period of delay is not eternal; if there is ultimately no fruit (repentance), judgment cannot be avoided. This conveys a sense of urgency.
In summary, when the listeners who heard the warning in verses 1–5 might have asked, “Then what should we do?” Jesus answers through the parable in verses 6–9: “Bear the fruit of repentance quickly while God gives you the opportunity” (Internet).
· Here it says that God looks for evidence of true turning (repentance) in our lives—what are some examples of such evidence?
The evidence of repentance in the Bible goes beyond mere regret or emotional confession; it means a ‘change in direction’ that is expressed through concrete actions. Based on the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus, here are some examples:”
1. Honesty and justice in relationships (Lk. 3:10–14)
When people asked what fruits are worthy of repentance, John the Baptist gave specific examples of change in professional and social relationships:
Sharing: Those who have two tunics should share with those who have none.
Honesty: Tax collectors should not collect more than what is prescribed.
Fairness: Soldiers should not extort money or accuse falsely, but be content with their wages.
2. Restitution and responsibility (Lk. 19:8)
The case of Zacchaeus shows one of the clearest evidences of repentance:
If one has harmed others, it is not enough merely to feel sorry; one must make real restitution. Zacchaeus declared that he would give half of his possessions to the poor and repay fourfold anything he had taken by fraud.
3. Transformation of character (Gal. 5:22–23)
A self-centered character changes into one guided by the Holy Spirit:
Love, joy, and peace replace anger and hatred.
Patience and kindness replace impatience.
4. Change in priorities (Mt. 6:33)
Life shifts from being centered on oneself—worrying only about “what to eat and drink”—to seeking first “the kingdom of God and His righteousness.”
In summary, the evidence of repentance can be described as every aspect of life changing so that we begin to hate the sins we once took for granted and gladly follow God’s will, which we once ignored (Internet).
· I would like to share just a portion of something I wrote on October 4, 2018, under the title “We Pastors Must Bear Fruits Worthy of Repentance,” based on Matthew 3:7–8:
We pastors must repent. We must confess our sins. We must confess and repent of our hypocrisy. Outwardly we may appear righteous before people, but inwardly we must confess and repent before God of all our hidden sins—hypocrisy, greed, indulgence, lawlessness, and more. We must confess and repent of the sin of not walking by the Spirit, but instead opposing the Holy Spirit and following the desires of the flesh, carrying out the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:16–21). We must also abandon and repent of the spiritual pride within us, as well as any unbiblical sense of authority, privilege, or merit. In particular, we must confess and repent of the sin of preaching and teaching Jesus Christ incorrectly. That is, we must repent of the serious sin of proclaiming and teaching “another gospel” (1:6). And we must bear fruits worthy of repentance. We must grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. We must resolve to know nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified (1 Cor. 2:2), because the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord is of surpassing worth (Phil. 3:8). As we follow Jesus Christ, we must proclaim His gospel with the heart of Christ (Phil. 1:8; 1 Cor. 9:16). In other words, we must first live lives worthy of the gospel ourselves (Phil. 1:27), and then boldly preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must imitate the humble mind of Christ (2:5), serve our neighbors, and live lives that show the mercy and compassion the Lord desires (Mt. 9:13; 12:7). By God’s grace, I pray that abundant fruits worthy of repentance may be borne among us.
· I would also like to share part of what I wrote on October 24, 2025, under the title “The Fruit of Repentance Reveals True Love!” based on Luke 3:10–14:
That is why John (the Baptist) said, “Produce actions that show you have truly repented” (Lk. 3:8).
The fruits worthy of repentance—that is, actions that demonstrate genuine repentance—were as follows:
To the crowds (v.10): “Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same” (v.11).
To the tax collectors (v.12): “Don’t collect any more than you are required to” (v.13).
To the soldiers (v.14): “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely—be content with your pay” (v.14).
When I reflect on these three examples of fruits worthy of repentance—actions that demonstrate genuine repentance—I summarize them simply as: (1) sharing, (2) not taking more than is due, (3) being content.
(b) Second, as I reflected on today’s passage, Luke 13:6–9, I became curious about Jesus’ parable of the barren fig tree and asked an AI about it.
Luke 13:6–9 is the parable of the barren fig tree. Through this parable, Jesus teaches about God’s patience and mercy, as well as the importance of repentance.
1. Main content of the parable
Background: A man planted a fig tree in his vineyard and waited three years for fruit, but found none.
The owner’s command: The owner orders the tree to be cut down because it is wasting the soil.
The gardener’s plea: The gardener asks, ‘Leave it alone for one more year,’ promising to dig around it and fertilize it, giving it another chance. If it still bears no fruit the following year, then it will be cut down.
2. Symbolic meaning of the parable
The vineyard owner represents God the Father.
The gardener (caretaker) represents Jesus Christ, who intercedes for sinners.
The fig tree represents the people of Israel at that time, or believers today who bear no fruit.
The fruit represents true repentance and a transformed life that God desires.
This parable reminds us that the reason judgment does not come immediately is because of God’s patience, and that during the time of opportunity given to us, we must bear the fruit of repentance (Internet).
(i) As I read that the owner planted a fig tree in the vineyard and waited three years for fruit but found none (vv.6–7), I wondered: why three years? Does it really take that long for a fig tree to bear fruit? Here is the AI’s response (Internet):
This question reveals deeper meaning when we consider both the biology of the fig tree and the legal background of the time. The number ‘three years’ carries both biological and spiritual significance.
1. Biological reason: the time to bear fruit
Generally, it takes about three years after planting (or propagating) a fig tree before it produces a proper harvest.
Years 1–2: the tree establishes roots and grows.
Year 3: it begins to produce its first fruit, when the owner can reasonably expect a harvest.
Thus, the owner waiting three years emphasizes that the tree had reached the proper time to bear fruit, yet still produced nothing. It shows that the owner was not impatient but had waited sufficiently.
2. Legal background: Leviticus 19:23–25
In the Old Testament law, there were regulations about fruit trees:
For the first three years after planting, the fruit was considered forbidden and not to be eaten. In the fourth year, the fruit was holy and offered to God. From the fifth year onward, people could eat it.
So, when the owner says he has come for three years seeking fruit, it highlights the tree’s complete failure to fulfill its purpose, even after the proper period.
3. Spiritual meaning: God’s perfect patience
In the Bible, the number ‘3’ often symbolizes completeness or divine fullness.
The owner waiting three years represents that God has given sufficient and complete opportunity for repentance.
It goes beyond a literal 36 months—it shows the depth of God’s mercy in waiting and not giving up on us.
Ultimately, this parable focuses on the sorrow of remaining fruitless even after ample time has passed, and yet also on the ‘additional grace’ of being given one more year (Internet).
· Why did the vineyard keeper say to his master, “Sir, leave it alone for this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure; then if it bears fruit, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down” (vv. 8–9)? In the end, the vineyard keeper is asking for a total of four years—what is the reason for this?
The vineyard keeper’s request for one more year of grace (a total of four years) is not simply an attempt to delay time, but represents a ‘final act of devotion and intercession to save life.’ This can be understood more deeply from several perspectives:
1. To judge only after doing everything possible
Before blaming the tree’s barrenness, the vineyard keeper proposes to give his very best effort one more time.
I will dig around it and fertilize it”: he willingly takes on the labor of breaking up the hardened soil and supplying nutrients. This symbolizes Jesus Christ’s zeal in not abandoning us as sinners, but helping us understand the Word (digging the soil) and giving grace (fertilizing).
His words, “If it still does not bear fruit, then cut it down,” mean giving the tree a perfect opportunity with no excuse left.
2. Because he understands the master’s heart
The vineyard keeper knows that the master does not want to cut down the tree out of hatred, but desires fruit.
The master’s goal is not to destroy the tree but to obtain fruit. The keeper shows the heart of an intercessor who wants to give the master joy (fruit) and the tree life by gaining one more year.
3. The implication of the number ‘four’ (Levitical background)
From the perspective of Leviticus 19:23–25, the fourth year is significant.
According to the law, the fruit in the fourth year is holy and offered to God in praise. Thus, the “this year” (the fourth year) requested by the keeper is the decisive time when the tree could finally bear precious fruit for God’s glory. The keeper is asking for one last chance for the tree to fulfill its purpose.
4. An urgent call to repentance
The phrase “leave it alone for this year” carries the urgency that “next year is not guaranteed.”
Four years represent both sufficient opportunity and a final warning. It confirms, in parable form, Jesus’ message in Luke 13:1–5: “If you do not repent now, you will perish.”
Ultimately, the vineyard keeper’s request vividly portrays Jesus’ intercessory work—bearing our sins and pleading before God, ‘Please give them one more chance’ (Internet).
(c) Third and last, as we realize the Lord’s heart—His deep desire for us to bear fruit—what is the greatest effort we can make?
The greatest effort we can make, once we understand the Lord’s earnest waiting and the intercession of the vineyard keeper (Jesus), is not to strive to produce fruit by our own strength, but to ‘grasp the opportunity to repent and remain in grace.’ Practically, this includes the following:
1. Offering up our ‘hardened heart’
In the parable, the keeper says, “I will dig around it and fertilize it.” If the soil is hard, the fertilizer cannot penetrate.
Practice: Honestly present before God a heart hardened by stubbornness, pride, or a busy life. Pray, “Lord, my heart is hard—please cultivate it with the shovel of Your Word,” and maintain a soft, receptive heart.
2. Not missing the opportunity called ‘now’
As warned in Luke 13:1–5, the time of grace is not eternal.
Practice: Do not delay, saying, “I’ll repent later” or “I’ll believe seriously later.” Obey immediately the conviction given today, correcting small habits or relationships now.
3. Deepening our roots in the Lord (union)
Just as a fig tree cannot bear fruit by itself, neither can we apart from the Lord.
Practice: Abide in the Lord, as in John 15. Through daily prayer and the Word, receive nourishment (grace). Fruit is not self-produced but comes naturally as God’s grace flows through us.
4. Bearing fruits worthy of repentance in daily life
Rather than focusing on religious formality, pursue real-life change.
Practice: Speak kind words to family, act honestly at work, care for the marginalized—small acts of love are the true evidence of repentance God seeks.
In the end, the greatest effort is not squeezing fruit out of ourselves, but entrusting ourselves fully to the Lord who digs the soil and fertilizes us to give us life (Internet).
(i) Then how can we fully entrust ourselves to the Lord who digs the soil and fertilizes us to give us life?
To entrust ourselves completely to the Lord means stepping down from the throne of our own lives and gladly accepting His intervention. This involves the following attitudes and practices:
1. Enduring painful processes with trust (the digging process)
When the soil is dug, the roots are exposed—it can feel painful from the tree’s perspective.
Practice: When God touches your pride or shakes what you depend on, instead of resisting, acknowledge, “Lord, You have allowed this because I need to change,” and walk through it in trust.
2. Not rejecting the supply of grace (the fertilizing process)
Fertilizer is nourishment the tree cannot produce on its own.
Practice: Do not rely on your own willpower, but continually receive grace through the Word, prayer, and worship. Confess, “I cannot do this on my own; I need Your help.”
3. Yielding our stubbornness to God’s Word
Digging the soil allows air and water to reach the roots.
Practice: When your thoughts conflict with God’s Word, choose to side with God. Even if your feelings differ, obey His command—for example, choosing to love when He says to love.
4. Entrusting the waiting period to the Lord
Fruit does not appear immediately after fertilizing; it takes time.
Practice: Do not become impatient if visible change is slow. Trust that the Lord, who knows you best, will bring fruit at the right time. Faithfully walk with Him where you are.
In summary, to entrust yourself completely means surrendering the control of your life and saying: “Lord, cultivate the soil of my life as You will. I will receive the grace You give and bear the fruit You desire (Internet).
· How should I respond to the Lord’s grace in leaving me as I am for this year also?
Recognizing the value of the waiting contained in the plea ‘leave it alone this year also’ is the beginning of our response. Repaying the Lord’s grace is not about achieving something great, but about focusing on the one thing God is seeking.”
1. Responding with ‘fruit’
The only reason the owner leaves the tree is for fruit. The greatest response to the Lord’s grace is to show the life change He expects.
Practice: Rather than setting grand goals, strive to bear small fruits in your daily life today—kindness, honesty, patience, gratitude. This is how we honor the effort of the gardener who dug and fertilized for us.
2. Changing the priority of ‘time’
The extra year is a “bonus” time given to us. Repaying grace means gradually shifting time we used for ourselves into time seeking the Lord’s will.
Practice: Even for a short part of your day, spend time meditating on the Word or thinking about what would please the Lord.
3. Trusting the Lord’s ‘expectation’ for us
The reason the Lord has not cut us down is that He believes there is still potential for fruit in us. Even when we feel like giving up on ourselves, it is important to rise again in response to His trust.
Practice: Instead of saying, “I can’t,” adopt the attitude of faith: “The Lord is waiting for me, so I will start again.”
4. Becoming ‘fertilizer of patience’ for others
If we realize that we live because of God’s patience, we should also become patient toward others.
Practice: When someone around you seems like a “fruitless fig tree,” do not condemn them. Pray for them and wait a little longer. Letting the grace we received flow to others is the most mature response.
The Lord is not looking for great achievements from you, but for that first fruit of the heart that says, “Lord, I will start again (Internet).
- With today given as a ‘bonus,’ what is the first fruit of my heart that I should offer to the Lord? What should I do, and how?”
Just having that kind of heart before today—a ‘bonus’ day—is already the ‘first fruit of repentance’ that pleases the Lord most. Here are some concrete suggestions for the first fruits of the heart you can offer today and how to practice them.
1. The first fruit to offer today: ‘Immediate gratitude and awareness’
The greatest truth the fig tree needed to realize was: “The reason I am still standing here is not my right, but because of someone’s earnest plea.”
Definition of the fruit: A humble and grateful heart that confesses that today’s life—family, work, health—is not something we deserve.
2. How to bear this fruit: ‘Receiving the fertilizer of grace’
Fruit does not come by forcing effort. The fertilizer must reach the roots.
What to do: Take time to yield control of your thoughts to the Lord.
How to do it:
Stop: When you feel things are not going your way, pause for 3 seconds.
Connect: Pray briefly, “Lord, I remember this moment is a bonus time You’ve given me. Help me see this situation through Your eyes.”
Choose: Instead of complaining or worrying, say out loud, “Still, thank You for this opportunity.” This is the fruit of the lips that the Lord seeks.
3. Practicing it in daily life: ‘The fruit of small kindness’
The fruit offered to the Lord begins in the unseen heart and is completed through visible actions toward others.
Practice: Treat the closest person you meet today (family, coworker) with one more act of kindness or one more moment of patience—just as the Lord has been patient with you. This is the most beautiful response to His grace.
At the end of today, try confessing to the Lord: “Lord, thank You for letting me remain in Your vineyard today instead of being cut down.” A day lived with that confession becomes the very first harvest of the fig tree that the Lord has been waiting for (Internet).