Are You a Fruitless Tree?

"Remember. O my soul, the fig tree was charged, not with bearing noxious fruit, but no fruit." - Thomas Fuller

Jesus and his disciples slowly made their way back to Jerusalem from Bethany on Monday following his triumphal entry into Jerusalem the day before (Palm Sunday). Along the way, Jesus grew hungry.

Off in the distance he noticed a fig tree that was brimming full with leaves. The thought of having something to satisfy his hunger quickened his pace as he headed towards it.

But his excitement quickly turned to disappointment when he found that the fully, leafed fig tree lacked any fruit on it, "because it was not the season for figs" (Mark 11:13).

It has been asked that if knowing that it was too early in the season for ripe figs, why did Jesus approach the tree as if he expected to find some there? It would seem that such a green, leafy fig tree should have some fruit to offer.

Therefore, with Divine authority Jesus cursed the barren tree. (Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:14). Immediately after he spoke, its sap dried and it lost it greenness; the leaves shriveled and fell. The disciples were shocked at the swiftness in which this occurred (Matthew 21:20).

The significance and meaning of this passage must be taken into consideration along with the cleansing of the Temple by Jesus (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19), The fig tree is used to symbolize the spiritual condition of Israel, especially after the Temple cleansing (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17).

What we have, in effect, here is Jesus rebuking Israel's worship of God. He was forcefully and dramatically condemning them as a nation and, in a manner, castigating those unproductive "Christians" who claim to be Christian but lack evidence of any connection to Christ.

A bountiful fig tree was thought of as a symbol of, both, prosperity and blessing for Israel. However, a lack of, or even death of a fig tree would represent judgement and rejection. We can compare the fig tree to the spiritual apathy of Israel as a nation.

On the outside they appeared very religious, following ceremonial and sacrificial observances and duties. Still, due their sins they were spiritually deficient. The powerful statement made by Jesus when he cleansed the Temple, and caused the fig tree to die, was no doubt meant to leave an impression, and it did.

By his actions, Jesus was declaring His coming judgement of Israel and that He had the means to make it happen. The lesson for us here is that religious practice alone will not save us. Outward appearances don't account for much if we are spiritually empty. God wants us to be spiritually passionate and fruitful (John 15:5-8).

Scripture: Matthew 7:19 ; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 1:6; Matthew 3:8; 2 Timothy 3:16; 

Prayer: Dear Lord, You saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to Your own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, amen.

May God bless you,

Kaye