Stories About Using Opportunities in New Testimony

1. The Fig-Tree Without Any Figs (Luke 13:6-9)

Jesus shared a story about a man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard and waited for three years to see if it would bear fruit. Despite his patience, the tree produced no figs. Disappointed, the man told the gardener, “Cut it down. It’s wasting the soil.”

But the gardener pleaded for another chance, saying, “Let it stay for one more year. I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, great. If not, then we will cut it down.”

This parable illustrates God’s patience with us. While He gives us opportunities to grow and bear fruit in our lives, there comes a time when those opportunities may run out. The fig tree represents individuals or nations who have been given time to repent and change but fail to do so. Jesus calls us to make the most of the opportunities we are given, recognizing that there is a limited time to bear good fruit in our lives.

2. The Wise and Foolish Girls (Matthew 25:1-13)

In another story, Jesus told of ten virgins who were waiting for the bridegroom’s arrival. They all had lamps, but only five were wise enough to bring extra oil in case the bridegroom came late. The other five foolish virgins did not prepare properly and ran out of oil. When the bridegroom finally arrived, the wise virgins were ready and entered the wedding banquet, but the foolish ones were locked out.

Jesus used this story to teach about the importance of being ready and prepared for His return. “Keep watch,” He said, “because you do not know the day or the hour.” This parable stresses the need to use the opportunities we have to prepare spiritually and be ready for God’s kingdom, as the moment of His return will come unexpectedly.

3. The Three Servants (Matthew 25:14-30)

Jesus told a story about a man who went on a journey and entrusted his wealth to three servants. To one, he gave five talents (a large sum of money), to another two, and to the third, one. The servants who received five and two talents invested their money and doubled it. But the servant who received one talent buried it in the ground out of fear.

When the master returned, he praised the servants who had wisely used their opportunities, saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” But to the one who had done nothing with his talent, the master said, “You wicked, lazy servant! You should have at least put my money on deposit with the bankers.” As a result, the unproductive servant lost his opportunity and his talent was given to the one who had shown faithfulness.

This story teaches the importance of using the gifts and opportunities God has given us. We are called to invest our time, talents, and resources wisely, not to waste them out of fear or laziness. God rewards faithful service, and those who use their opportunities for His glory will be entrusted with more.

4. The Watcher on the Tree (Luke 19:1-10)

As Jesus was passing through Jericho, He encountered a man named Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was despised by the people. Zacchaeus wanted to see Jesus, but being short, he couldn’t get a good view because of the crowd. So, he climbed a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus. When Jesus saw him, He called out, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

Zacchaeus hurried down and welcomed Jesus gladly. The crowd was upset, muttering that Jesus was going to eat with a sinner. But Zacchaeus stood up and said, “Lord, look! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

Jesus responded, “Today salvation has come to this house.” He explained, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Zacchaeus’ response to Jesus’ call illustrates how important it is to seize the opportunity to repent and change. Jesus offers grace to those who are willing to use their opportunities for transformation and redemption.

5. Beggar by the Roadside (Mark 10:46-52)

Bartimaeus, a blind beggar sitting by the roadside in Jericho, heard that Jesus was passing by. Despite the crowd telling him to be quiet, he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” When Jesus heard him, He stopped and asked for Bartimaeus to be brought to Him. Bartimaeus, throwing aside his cloak, jumped to his feet and came to Jesus.

Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Rabbi, I want to see,” Bartimaeus replied.

“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately, Bartimaeus received his sight and followed Jesus.

This story emphasizes the importance of seizing the opportunities God gives us. Bartimaeus did not let the crowd or his blindness stop him from calling out to Jesus for help. His boldness and faith led to his healing, and he used the opportunity to follow Jesus afterward.

6. What Matters Most (Luke 10:38-42)

One day, Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary. Martha was busy preparing a meal and cleaning, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, listening to His words. Frustrated, Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her. But Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

This story highlights the importance of making the most of our opportunities to listen to Jesus and focus on what truly matters—our relationship with Him. In the busyness of life, we can easily become distracted by tasks, but spending time with Jesus and learning from Him is what truly enriches our lives.

These stories about using opportunities teach us to take advantage of the chances we are given to grow in faith, serve God, and make a difference in the world. Whether it’s preparing for the future, investing our gifts, or seizing the moment to change, Jesus calls us to act wisely and make the most of every opportunity.