Divine Second Chances

Preliminary:

Invite to Luke 13:6-9

Thanks

Tell story of Peter’s denial of Christ

I’m so glad God didn’t throw the clay away

We have a God who gives Divine Second Chances

Luke 13:6–9 KJV 1900

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.

This parable is about a fig tree, a vineyard owner, and a gardener. It speaks profoundly about divine patience, grace, and the opportunities for redemption that God offers us all. Let us read the passage together:

I. The Expectation of Fruitfulness

In this parable, the owner of the vineyard had a legitimate expectation of finding fruit on his fig tree. After all, he had planted it, nurtured it, and given it time to grow. Similarly, God, our Creator, has planted us in His vineyard and expects us to bear fruit in our lives. This fruit is not merely about good works but also about developing Christ-like character, demonstrating love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

II. The Disappointment of Unfruitfulness

When the owner finds the tree barren, his disappointment leads him to consider cutting it down. In the same way, our unfruitfulness grieves God's heart. Despite His investment in us—His word, His Spirit, His blessings—when we fail to produce fruit, it reflects a missed opportunity to glorify Him and to impact others positively.

The term "cumbereth" means to occupy space uselessly or to burden the ground without providing any benefit. In the context of the parable, the fig tree is taking up valuable resources (soil, water, sunlight) but is not producing any fruit. This represents wasted potential and effort. The vineyard owner suggests cutting down the tree because it is not fulfilling its purpose, and it is merely taking up space that could be used for something productive.

Burden Without Benefit: The term "cumbereth" highlights the idea that something taking up space and resources without providing any benefit is burdensome and wasteful. In the same way, individuals who do not live productive, fruitful lives in the spiritual sense are seen as cumbering the ground.

Share updated statistics on wastefulness in America:

Weekly trash generation: 4.928 million tonsHoliday season trash generation: 6.16 million tons per weekEdible turkey waste: 9.979 million poundsEdible stuffing waste: 19.835 million poundsWrapping paper savings: 55,440 football fieldsTimes Square New Year’s Eve garbage: 51.744 tons

Visualize 19.835 million pounds of stuffing:

A pile 10 meters (33 feet) high, 50 meters (164 feet) wide, and 60 meters (197 feet) long.

III. The Plea for Grace

Here, the gardener, representing Jesus, intercedes on behalf of the fig tree. He asks for more time and commits to caring for the tree even more diligently. This plea for grace is a beautiful picture of Christ's intercession for us. Hebrews 7:25 reminds us that Jesus "always lives to intercede" for us. Despite our failures and shortcomings, Jesus advocates for us, asking the Father to grant us more time and opportunities to grow.

IV. The Offer of a Second Chance

The gardener's proposal to dig around the tree and fertilize it symbolizes the divine interventions and opportunities God provides us to turn our lives around. These could be moments of conviction, seasons of growth, or trials meant to refine us. God’s patience is astonishing. He does not give up on us easily but provides us with chances after chances to bear fruit.

V. The Responsibility of Response

While God offers us divine second chances, we must respond to His grace. The additional year given to the fig tree was not just for it to occupy space but to bear fruit. Likewise, the grace period God grants us is for repentance, renewal, and fruitfulness. 2 Peter 3:9 tells us that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. Our responsibility is to heed His call, to allow His Spirit to work in us, and to produce the fruit that glorifies Him.

Conclusion:

As we reflect on this parable, let us recognize the incredible patience and grace of our Lord. He is the God of second chances, always willing to give us another opportunity to bear fruit for His kingdom. Let us not take His grace for granted but respond with sincere hearts, striving to live lives that are fruitful and pleasing to Him.

Sing: Take My Life and Let it Be

Handfuls on Purpose for Christian Workers and Bible Students, Series I–XIII Cut It down: Let It Alone (Luke 13:7, 8)

CUT IT DOWN: LET IT ALONE

LUKE 13:7, 8

This may be regarded as the language of justice and mercy, of law and grace. Note—

1. Some Reasons why it Should be Cut Down.

(1) It was the EASIEST WAY of getting rid of it.

(2) It had had SUFFICIENT TIME for trial.

(3) It showed NO SIGNS of improvement.

(4) It had never done ANY GOOD.

(5) It was filling a place that might be BETTER OCCUPIED by another.

(6) It was having a BAD INFLUENCE on others. A “cumberer.”

2. Some Reasons why it Should be Let Alone. What are they? Well, WHAT ARE THEY?