*All Scripture is from the New American Standard Mark 11:12-14, 20-21 12 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He [Jesus] became hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening. 20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. 21 Being reminded, Peter said to Him, "Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered." Poor fig tree! Some would say. It was minding its own business and in one day lost its life. Why, would Jesus curse this tree? What was He telling us? Yes, this story is about faith, but I also believe that the tree could be a representation. Fig trees are supposed to be good for fruit, which means that they nourish and refresh whoever eats from them. The tree looked good from afar off, just like most Christians do. It appeared to have everything that it was supposed to have, but once Jesus came near, it was obvious that the tree was all leaves. In John 15:2, Jesus says "Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit." Jesus was disgusted by this fig tree because it wasn't bearing fruit. It continuously nourished itself from the soil and sun that God gave it, but wouldn't provide for others when they needed it too. I believe that is why Jesus cursed it. Christians are supposed to love their neighbor as they do themselves (Mark 12:31). How can we do that if we do not share the provisions that God has blessed us with. These provisions are not only material things, but love, grace, mercy, patience, etc. John 15:4-6 says "Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned." By studying and living by the word of God, we will produce good fruit that will please our Lord, and replenish those around us. We can be ready whenever Jesus comes by to check our progress. I don't want to share the same fate as the withered old fig tree. Can you imagine the look of disappointment on Jesus' face when He saw that the tree was empty? I want more than leaves on my tree. How about you? I hope that you enjoyed reading God's word in a new light. God Bless, Min. Tommy & Sis. Shatika Gray |
| The Fig Tree Feb. 18, 2004 |