New Beginnings in the Kingdom

Series: What He Said: The Parables of Jesus #8

Luke 13:6–9 ESV

6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure. 9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

Introduction

As we step into a new year, many of us are thinking about fresh starts, resolutions, and turning over a new leaf. It’s a time of reflection and anticipation. But while we’re making plans for ourselves, the question we must ask is this: What is God calling us to do in this season?

I remember a time when I felt the weight of a new beginning—like when I first started pastoring. I was excited yet overwhelmed. But God reminded me that growth comes when we allow Him to prune and cultivate our lives. Similarly, stepping into this New Year isn’t just about our resolutions—it’s about allowing God to do His work in us.

In Luke 13:6-9, Jesus tells the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. This story is about new opportunities, second chances, and the urgency of responding to God’s call. Through this parable, Jesus challenges us to examine our lives: Are we bearing fruit for His Kingdom, or are we merely taking up space?

As we enter this New Year, let’s unpack what Jesus said and see how this parable calls us to a deeper commitment to Him.

Transition:

Embrace God’s Vision for Your Life (v.6-7)

Luke 13:6–7 ESV

6 And he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?’

The fig tree represents us as God’s people. God has planted us in His Kingdom with the expectation that we will bear fruit.

Fruitfulness isn’t optional—it’s the evidence of a life transformed by God’s grace. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These are the marks of a life rooted in Christ.

Yet, the man in the parable finds no fruit. The tree had potential but produced nothing.

Illustration: Picture a tree in your yard that you water and care for, but year after year, it yields no fruit. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? The owner in this parable felt that same frustration.

Application: As we begin this New Year, ask yourself: Are you living according to God’s vision for your life? Are your actions, words, and priorities reflecting His Kingdom values? Bearing fruit for His Kingdom means embodying Christ’s love in your relationships, using your talents for His glory, and impacting others for the Gospel. This year, resolve not just to make resolutions for yourself but to embrace God's calling and commit to bearing fruit that glorifies Him.

Transition: Yet even when we fall short of His vision, God doesn’t give up on us—He gives us grace.

Trust God’s Process for Your Growth (v.8)

Luke 13:8 ESV

8 And he answered him, ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure.

Instead of immediately cutting down the tree, the vinedresser pleads for more time. This reflects God’s patience and mercy.

God’s patience is not a license to remain unfruitful—it’s an opportunity for transformation.

The digging and fertilizing symbolize God’s work in our lives to help us grow. Sometimes, this comes through His Word, prayer, or even trials that push us closer to Him.

Illustration: Think about a gardener tending to a struggling plant. They don’t give up; they loosen the soil, add nutrients, and water it with care. That’s how God tends to us—giving us everything we need to thrive. But pruning can be uncomfortable. Yet, without it, the plant can’t grow.

John 15:2 reminds us, "Every branch that does bear fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit."

Application: This New Year is a gift of God’s patience. What will you do with it? Don’t waste the time God has given you to grow. We often want immediate results, but spiritual growth takes time. Just like a gardener doesn't see fruit overnight, God’s process in us may take seasons before the harvest appears. Let Him work in your heart, shape your character, and produce fruit through you. Set aside time this week for prayer and ask God to reveal any barren areas in your life. Trust His process, even when it feels difficult.

Transition: While we can trust in God’s process, we must also remember that this opportunity won’t last forever.

Respond to God’s Urgent Call (v.9)

Luke 13:9 ESV

9 Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”

The parable ends with a sobering warning: God’s patience has a purpose, but it won’t last forever.

Jesus reminds us that there’s an urgency to bearing fruit. We don’t have unlimited time to respond to His call.

This isn’t meant to scare us but to motivate us to live with purpose and commitment.

Illustration: Imagine being given an extension on a major deadline. The extension isn’t indefinite—it’s an opportunity to complete the work you’ve neglected. In the same way, God’s grace extends the deadline for us to bear fruit, but we can’t assume it will last forever.

Application: Don’t let this year pass without bearing fruit for God. Life is unpredictable. We’ve seen how quickly things can change. This is why responding to God’s call today—not tomorrow—matters. Take the warning seriously, but also see it as an opportunity to act.

What steps can you take today to ensure that your life is producing fruit that glorifies God? Perhaps it’s committing to a consistent prayer life, joining a ministry, or mentoring someone in need of spiritual encouragement.

Transition: When we hear God’s call, how will we respond?

Conclusion:

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree is a call to action as we step into this New Year. God has given us a vision for our lives, He patiently works to help us grow, and He calls us to respond with urgency.

Church, this year is not just another year—it’s a chance to align your life with God’s purposes, to trust in His process, and to bear fruit for His Kingdom.

Hoop:

Family, don’t you know that the same Jesus who told this parable is the One who makes it possible for us to bear fruit? On Calvary, He dug around the soil of our lives. He poured out His blood as the ultimate fertilizer to nourish our souls. And early Sunday morning, He rose with all power, giving us everything we need to thrive in Him.

So this year, let’s not waste His grace. Let’s bear fruit that brings Him glory. Let’s live with the urgency of His call. And one day—oh, one day—we’ll stand before the King, and He’ll say, *”Well done, good and faithful servant!”*

The King is calling you today. Will you commit this year to Him? Will you let Him dig around the soil of your heart and bring new growth? Say *”Yes, Lord!”* today, and step into the New Year bearing fruit for His glory.