Comeback season

Derek Munn October 13, 2025 3 4

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Luke 13: 6-9 (NIV)

6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree growing 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?’

8 “‘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.’”

Jesus tells of a fig tree that’s been slacking off for three years — no fruit, just mooching about, looking sorry for itself. The owner’s ready to chop it down, but the gardener pleads, “Let me give it one more year. I’ll dig around it, throw on some manure, and see what happens.”

Sometimes I know I can be like that fig tree: stuck, unproductive, maybe just soaking up sunlight and hoping no one notices. But this parable reminds us that grace often comes with a shovel and a bucket of manure: messy, smelly, but meant to help us grow.

So, if life’s throwing fertiliser your way… maybe it’s not punishment. Maybe it’s your comeback season.

Prayer:

Lord of second chances,

Sometimes I feel like that fig tree — standing still, fruitless, wondering if I’m worth the soil I’m planted in. Thank You for being the gardener who doesn’t give up on me. When I’m stuck, give me a nudge, digging the soil around me. When I’m dry, pour grace like manure (yes, even the messy kind). Help me grow, even if it’s slow. Let my life bear fruit, fruit that honours you and blesses my neighbours. And when I finally bloom, may it bring joy to You and shade to others. Amen.