Matthew Henry Commentary Luke 13:6-9

"And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none. And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground? And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit thenceforth, [well]; but if not, thou shalt cut it down." — Luke 13:6-9 (ASV)

This parable of the barren fig tree is intended to enforce the warning given just before: the barren tree, unless it brings forth fruit, will be cut down. This parable in the first place refers to the nation and people of the Jews. Yet it is, without doubt, for awakening all who enjoy the means of grace, and the privileges of the visible church. When God has long endured, we may hope that He will bear with us yet a little longer, but we cannot expect that He will bear always.