Introduction
This morning I brought this potted tree
from pastor’s office. As you see, it is used for ornamental purposes. I don’t
expect this tree to yield fruit and satisfy my hunger. Each tree has a purpose.
Some produce beautiful flowers. Some provide shade. Some are used for pulp to
make paper and other material. Some provide us with fruit!
The Parable of the Fig Tree
In today’s passage Jesus tells us the
parable of the fig tree. Fig trees are an excellent fruit tree. In the story a
man planted a fig tree in his vineyard. And he waited for three years.
Normally, for a fig tree it takes about 1-2 years to bear fruit if it has
proper level of nitrogen and good watering conditions.[1]
Three years signifies that the fig tree had enough time to produce fruit. But
there weren’t any figs on the tree. So the owner said to the gardener, “Cut it
down. Why should it use up the ground?” Now, the gardener said, “Master, give
this fig tree one more year. I will dig the soil around so that water can flow
easily to the roots. Then I will give it fertilizer. Maybe it will produce
fruit next year. If not, then you can cut it down.”
Interpretation
In the parable the owner is God. The
gardener is Jesus. And we are the fig tree. Each of us is planted in God’s
garden. Jesus provides everything for us to grow and bear fruit. His grace is
enough! But there are times when we don’t respond to his grace. We don’t live
up to his expectations as his beloved children. We turn to our own way. Then,
what happens? God gives us another second chance. Jesus, the Gardener,
takes extra special care of us to grow and finally bear much fruit in our
lives.
A God of Second Chances
I see myself in the parable of the barren
fig tree. In 2001 I was discharged from the army. During my military service, I
received proficiency pay because I served as UNPKF in East Timor . I had some money.
After the military, I was planning to go to Canada Canada Canada
Our God is a God of second chances! There are times when our hearts are so hardened, and we don’t
respond to his grace. But God never gives up. He pours out his lavish love to
change our hearts and our lives. He takes extra special care of us until we are
transformed. Jesus the Gardener said to God, “Give him/her one more chance. I
will help him/her to bear fruit.” And what did he do? He laid down his life for
us. Jesus himself became our fertilizer and water for life. The cross of Christ
is the perfect love of God toward us. Our hearts are never changed by the law,
by prophecy, or by signs and wonders. But when we come and see the cross of
Christ, our hearts are melt, softened, and transformed. The Bible says, “So
Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was
bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, he lived.”(Nm 21:9).
This is God’s promise. Whoever does come and look at the cross of Christ and
believe in him has new life! (John 3:19). The Cross of Christ is like circus safety
net. We may stumble, but will never fall, because the Lord holds us by the hand
with his steadfast love (Ps. 37:24). We don’t need to ask God to show us the
sign of his love. All we have to do is to come back and look at the cross. His
love is the same yesterday, today, and forever! His love has transforming
power! He gives us power to change our hearts and lives!
Invitation
Jesus says, “If a man remains in me and I
in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
Jesus provides everything we need. Our part is to remain in him. Let me ask you
this practical question: “What do you need to remain constantly in Christ?”
There are many ways. But if you asked me that question, my answer is “Bible memorization.”
It was Monday. There was an incident that made me upset. I felt hurt. I sat
down and examined my soul why I was hurt. It was because I was not properly
recognized. My need for approval was frustrated. Then, one Scripture passage
came to mind: “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve,
and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mt 20:28). This passage did bring
me home. I wrote it down to memorize. And on the same day I’ve got a letter
from one of my previous church members. Somehow she studied Korean and reads
Our Daily Bread in Korean. With her loving card, she attached one particular
day’s meditation. Guess what? The verse of the day was the same verse that I
just memorized. That was a reassurance from God: who I am and how to live.
Scripture memorization really helps me to remain in Christ moment-by-moment.
What about you? What is your action plan to remain in Christ in order to
bear fruit? You may find a sticky note in your bulletin. Please think about
it, and write at least one thing to remain in Christ and bear fruit. As you
reflect on it, I will sing a hymn, “I need thee every hour.” When you are done,
feel free to join me in singing. Later I will invite you come forward and put
yours on “Fig Tree’s Second Chance” board.
Prayer
Lord, your love endures forever! In your great
love our grace period is extended. But from today’s parable, we learned that it
is only for a limited time. Holy Spirit, you are speaking to each of us: The
time to repent is now. The time to change our hearts and lives is now. The time
to give our life to Christ and begin really living for Christ is now. The time
to bear fruit is now! Because we may not have another second chance. Lord, give
us desire and strength to live out your word and bear much fruit. Amen.
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