What Jesus Did! 'One Last Chance!' — Luke 13:6-9

Friday, August 25, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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Then Jesus told this story: "A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, 'I've waited three years, and there hasn't been a single fig! Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden.'

"The gardener answered, 'Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.'"

— Luke 13:6-9 NLT

Key Thought

In the previous chapter, [1] Jesus reminded his disciples to be ready always and live with a sense of urgency about his return. In the previous part of this chapter, [2] Jesus called on people to repent. Now, in today's verses, Jesus is basically reminding us that we are on borrowed time. We need to repent now. We've been extended a season of grace to become fruitful, so we've got to be fruitful. No more playing around with religion. No more hypocrisy. No more religious talk without spiritual commitment and spiritual living. It's put up or shut up time. It's time to be fruitful.

[1] Luke 12:35-48, 54-59.
[2] Luke 13:1-5.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, I know that now is the time you want me to be fruitful and that you want me to live for you with passion today and every day. Help me overcome my religious procrastination. Bless me as I seek to lay aside my fears and inhibitions about following you. Empower me to live with holiness, urgency, and a sense of joyous expectation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Acts 17:27-31
  • Acts 2:36-41
  • Acts 3:17-20

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 13:6-9 NLT — "A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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