SCRIPTURE:
“Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.”
Mark 11:13-14
OBSERVATION:
I’m sure I’m not the only one that was a bit confused by this passage when I first read it. Why would Jesus curse a tree with no figs knowing that “it was not the season for figs”? Doesn’t that seem a little harsh to punish a tree for not having fruit in a season where it’s not supposed to have fruit? Well, we’re told that the fig tree had leaves, and leaves were typically a sign that fruit was present. One commentator writes, “The tree was cursed for its pretense of leaves, not for its lack of fruit. Like Israel in the days of Jesus, it had the outward form but no fruit. In this picture, Jesus warned Israel – and us – of God’s displeasure when we have the appearance of fruit but not the fruit itself. God isn’t pleased when His people are all leaves and no fruit.”
APPLICATION:
So today the question stands, “What does my “tree” look like”? We can get very good at “playing church” and knowing the right things to say and do on Sunday, but what do our lives look like every other day? When people see me, and more importantly when God examines me, will they find a life full of fruit, full of His Spirit and power, or will they find green leaves with no fruit, no substance, and no evidence of God’s hand?
1. Fruit is a product of being connected to the Source. It’s not something I can manufacture on my own, so today I commit to staying connected to Him through each moment, each struggle, each victory and everything in between.
2. Bearing fruit will take intentionality. Today, I will seek out moments to encourage others, to pray for others, and to share about God’s goodness and power.
3. I will strive to walk and not just talk; to not just talk about God but be about His way, His calling, and His mission.
PRAYER:
Jesus, forgive me for the times I “play” church and have the appearance of a Christian without bearing the fruit of Christ. Please enable me to stay connected to You throughout the day, to be intentional, and to be about Your mission. May my life bear fruit for Your Kingdom that You might be honored. In Your name, Amen.
