Getting a second chance even when we don’t deserve it

Luke 13:6-9

6 Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7 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?” 8 He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.”’

Jesus’ hearers would have immediately thought of the vineyard in Isaiah 5 when Jesus started talking about planting in a vineyard. A non-producing fig tree is not worthy to be taking up space in a space that could be producing a crop, it is not much better than a weed.

But in Jesus’ story, a gardener intervenes a stops the owner from cutting down the tree on the spot for its lack of production. The gardener convinces the owner to give the tree one more chance. Mercy is offered. There is nothing about the tree itself that deserves mercy, it is not as though it had some good seasons in the past and just is not doing well this season. No, this tree has not produced a crop at all –three years in a row, no crop. One definition of mercy is, “giving the other a second chance even when they don’t deserve it.” Which is exactly was the gardener asks for. In addition, the gardener is going to try to nurture the tree to produce a crop, loosening the ground so the roots and grow better, fertilizing the tree. 

Jesus offers mercy, grace, a second chance to those who have not been producing a crop worthy of him and his kingdom. Not just a second chance, but he will come along side us to nurture us so that we can produce a crop worthy of him.

But the truth remains that our lives are to demonstrate that we are following Jesus. Our lives are to bear witness to the fact that we are people of his vineyard.

PRAYER:

Lord God, we thank you for all the second chances you give us, for the mercy you show. Shape our lives, nurture us so that our lives bear fruit for your kingdom, showing that we are your follower. Nurture us when we falter, spur us on when the commitment falters. These things we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.