Luke 13:6-9
6 He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none.
7 Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground?
8 And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it:
9 And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
The Grace New Testament Commentary - Luke 13:6-9
13:6 A parable highlighting God's mercy to Israel follows the warning about repentance. This parable focuses on the positive results or fruit (of repentance) that God expected from the "fig tree," a figure for the nation of Israel. The activity of "seeking fruit" refers to God's first-century visitation to Israel to fulfill His promises to them.
13:7 The man who came "seeking fruit" addressed the "keeper of the vineyard." The "three years" possibly refer to the period of Jesus' earthly ministry thus far. He ordered, "'Cut it down.'" At this point the nation had still not responded positively to their promised Messiah, and so they deserved judgment.
13:8 The keeper of the vineyard requested mercy on the fig tree. He offers to dig around it and fertilize it.
13:9 The fig tree's future hinged on its fruit production after additional measures to promote its productivity. The parable warns those who heard it during the actual ministry of Jesus and shows God's merciful and long-suffering treatment towards the unbelieving nation before the horrific judgment of 70 A.D.