September 29
Fruit That Remains
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 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 11:12-14
As a new believer I was very confused after reading the story about Jesus cursing the fig tree, which happened shortly after His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem.
Fig trees actually can bear early fruit, and Jesus, seeing the tree in full leaf, expected to find some small, early figs on it. When He didn’t, He cursed the tree and it withered overnight. Seems strange, right? I mean, why not just perform a miracle and have fruit appear?
It’s because Jesus was performing a prophetic act: This lack of fruit, despite the outward appearance of a tree in full leaf, symbolized the spiritual state of the nation of Israel at the time. He was sending a message to the Pharisees and Sadducees: On the outside, all seems well; but on the inside, your fruit is rotten.
As well, Jesus cursing the fig tree pointed back to the curse in the Garden, when after the Fall Adam and Eve found themselves naked and wearing animal skins given to them by God. Jesus Himself, then, was going to be a curse for mankind in order to deliver us from sin.
Here’s what Jesus asks of us regarding the fruit we bear:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other. ––John 15:16-17
It’s pretty cool to think that Jesus chose each of us. And as ones who are chosen, all the lasting fruit we bear will be because of our relationship with Him. Indeed, when we remain part of His vine, Jesus tells us, “He who abides in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
We all know we are called to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. This means discovering the spiritual gifts God has given to us, submitting to his pruning process, activating those gifts He’s been honing over the years, and taking action. But unless we do all those things in relationship with Christ, we are nothing more than the Pharisees: fine on the outside, but “white-washed tombs” on the inside.
It’s time to reevaluate our motives; but more importantly, to check our fruit to make sure it’s labeled, “Grown in the Kingdom.”
Lord, please examine my heart for any bad fruit, and instead, reconnect me fully to Your Son, without Whom I can do nothing of lasting spiritual value.