Luke 13:6-9

The Barren Fig Tree. This parable illustrates the warning (Luke 13:3; Luke 13:5), 'Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.' A certain man (God) had a fig tree (the Jewish nation) in his vineyard (the world), and he came (at various crises of their history) seeking fruit (good works and pure religion) and found none. And he said to the vine-dresser (the Son of God), Behold these three years (under the Law, under the Prophets, and under the Scribes) I come seeking fruit. Cut it down. Why, besides being unfruitful, doth it also cumber the ground (prevent the conversion of the world)? And the vine-dresser (Christ) answered, Lord, let it alone this year also (for a further time of grace), till I dig about it and dung it (i.e. preach the gospel, show signs and wonders, send down the Spirit, do all things for its conversion), and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down (i.e. shalt destroy the nation with its city and Temple): cp. Matthew 21:19. The parable is also capable of a more general application to the individual soul.