Single lesson
The Fig Tree Given More Time
Luke 13:6–9
Jesus told a short parable about a fig tree that had no fruit. In this lesson, children will identify the problem in the story and explain what the extra year shows about waiting, care and response.
Before you teach
In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus speaks a parable about a man, a fig tree in a vineyard, and a vine dresser. The tree has been checked for fruit over three years and none is found. The owner wants it cut down, but the vine dresser asks for one more year and offers to care for it.
Students will be able to state the problem in the parable and explain that the extra time is a serious opportunity to respond well.
Welcome: Spot the problem in the story
5 minShow a piece of fruit or a picture of a fig tree. Say that Jesus told a parable, which is an illustration. Read Luke 13:6 slowly. Ask the children to listen for the main problem. Help them answer clearly: the man came looking for fruit on the fig tree and found none.
Luke 13:6
Read and explain: The owner’s words
7 minRead Luke 13:7 together. Explain that the owner has looked for fruit for three years and still finds none. Notice his two questions and commands: “Cut it down!” and “Why does it waste the soil?” Help children see that the tree’s lack of fruit is the central issue in the parable.
Luke 13:7
Discuss: The vine dresser asks for time
6 minRead Luke 13:8. Explain that the vine dresser does not say the fruit problem is unimportant. He asks for one more year and says he will dig around the tree and fertilise it. Discuss how this shows patience joined with action and care, not ignoring the situation.
Luke 13:8
Make and respond: One more year
8 minChildren make a simple fig tree scene, adding labels for the owner, the vine dresser and the tree. Then compare two everyday responses: giving up straight away, or giving careful help for a set time. Keep the discussion tied to the parable’s words about fruit, care and one more year.
Luke 13:7, Luke 13:8, Luke 13:9
Closing: The ending stays serious
4 minRead Luke 13:9 to finish. Point out that the parable ends with two possible outcomes: “If it bears fruit, fine” and “if not, after that, you can cut it down.” Invite each child to say one sentence explaining the main teaching of the parable from these verses.
Luke 13:9
Questions to explore
What was wrong with the fig tree in Jesus’ parable?
Use the repeated words from the story: the man kept seeking fruit on it and found none.
Luke 13:6, Luke 13:7
What did the vine dresser ask for, and what did he plan to do?
Look for the request about time and the two actions he names for the tree.
Luke 13:8
How does the ending show both opportunity and seriousness?
Answer from the two outcomes in the final verse: one if it bears fruit, and one if it does not.
Luke 13:9
Make, think or respond
Fig Tree Scene With Two Endings
What you’ll need
- paper
- pencils or crayons
- scissors
- glue
- small sticks or green leaves if available
Try it together
- Draw or build a simple fig tree, ground and two people from the parable.
- Label the figures “owner” and “vine dresser”, and write “fruit” near the tree.
- On one side, add the words “leave it alone this year also”; on the other, add “if it bears fruit” and “if not”.
- Use the model to retell the parable in order with a partner.
This activity helps children remember the problem, the request for more time, and the two possible outcomes in Luke 13:6-9.
Adapt for your group
- For younger children, pre-draw a tree trunk outline and let them add fruit or no fruit as they retell each verse.
- For older children, ask them to write one or two sentences explaining why the extra year is patient but still serious, using words from Luke 13:8-9.
An optional closing prayer
“Lord Jesus, please help us listen carefully to your words. Thank you for patience and care. Help us respond well to what you teach. Amen.”
Read the Bible passage World English Bible Classic
Luke 13
6 He spoke this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.
7 He said to the vine dresser, ‘Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down! Why does it waste the soil?’
8 He answered, ‘Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it.
9 If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’ ”
World English Bible Classic. Public domain.