Figs

Open with Prayer: God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

Read: Luke 13:6-9
Then Jesus told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it.. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.”’

Talk:
What do plants need to grow?

What do people need to grow?

What are some of the ways people grow?

How have you grown in the last year?
What can you do now that you couldn't do a year ago?

Jesus wanted people to grow as strong as a healthy tree to get ready to live in God's kingdom.
What are ways we can grow that will help us be strong and healthy? (Encourage them to give as many answers as possible.)

Jesus told this story to encourage people to grow in healthy ways and enter into God's kingdom.
What do you think it could be like to live in God's kingdom?
How do you want to get ready to live in God's kingdom?
What is one way each of us could choose to get ready for God's kingdom in this coming week?

Finish with Prayer: 

God, thank you forgiving us time and gifts to grow.

God, today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)
God, today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)
God, today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)
We ask all this in Jesus’ name.

Amen