Luke 13:1-9

Jesus told lots of stories.

In introducing young people to Jesus and His stories, the editors of the Spark Story Bible for children included several of the parables told by Jesus.

One of the first ones they relate is the Parable of the Fig Tree:

Jesus told this story to remind people that every day is a gift from God that we should use wisely.

 Once there was a man who had a vineyard. This man LOVED figs, so he planted a fig tree. Mmmmmm! He couldn’t wait to eat the figs from his tree!

 Every year, the man came to the vineyard to check on his tree. The first year, no figs. The second year, no figs. The third year, NO FIGS! The man told the gardener, “I planted this tree because I love figs! Every year I check, but still no figs. Cut this tree down!”

But the gardener was smart. “Wait one more year,” he said. “Let’s take special care of it and give it one more chance. It’s give you the best figs you have ever tasted!”

The story Bible ends this telling with an action suggestion:

“Try some figs and talk about ways your faith can grow.”

What seeds of talent and skill did God plant in your heart and soul? Are you nurturing them into ripe fruit?

Prayer

God, help me to bear the fruit that makes my life full and blesses others around me. Keep me growing in my faith and my love for You as I daily follow my Lord and Savior Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.