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There are many times in the Bible where a fig tree is mentioned. Have you ever taken the time to study the intricate growth and life of a fig tree? First and foremost, a fig tree produces a fruit called a “fig” – a jam like quality with a taste between a strawberry, currant and date. It is important to remember that although a leafy fig tree is pleasing to the eye, the figs normally begin to appear before the leaves are at full foliage.

Let’s take a look at one mention of a fig tree in Mark 11 starting a verse 12, “And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, He(Jesus) was hungry: and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, He came, if haply He might find any thing thereon: and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.”  This particular tree drew Jesus’ attention because although it was late spring, it already had a full covering of leaves – maybe an early bloomer. Because of its leaves, it suggests that it should have early figs but after inspection Jesus is immediately disappointed.

This fig tree was all leaves and no fruit. If you continue reading Mark, “And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And His disciples heard it. (14) And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.” (20). It may seem shockingly out of character from the compassionate, healing and calm in the storm Jesus we are used to reading about when we read this verse. If Jesus was so intensely passionate about teaching His disciples a lesson through His cursing of this fig tree, what does that mean for us today? I believe it is a warning to each of us not just “look” like Christ but to bear the fruit of Christ in our daily walk. Are your roots expansive? Are you positioned to receive the SONlight needed to thrive? Are you getting enough living water (the Word)?

The fruitless fig tree draws us back to previous points in Jesus’ ministry when God’s people were called to produce spiritual fruit. Although it looked like the people of the city were understanding and following His instruction, Jesus sees that once again it was all a show. “And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves.” Mark 11:15. There was a lot of action going on in the city, lots of hustle and bustle but there was no righteousness…there were leaves and no fruit. If you continue reading you will hear that Jesus swiftly instructs His disciples to turn to prayer in response to the unrighteousness and barrenness they just experienced because ultimately, they would be the ones to produce the fruit that would lead others to Heaven.

Our lives can look like we are full of foliage – a super mom, super dad, busy schedules, ministry activities, warm seats on the pews and so much more but our roots may actually be withered. There may be lots of leaves of “holiness” yet no intimacy or relationship with God – we can even easily fool ourselves. I would encourage you today to study this passage and take a deep look into yourself as you imagine Jesus passing you by. Would He be fed by your faithful fruit or would His expectation of a harvest leave Him with no satisfaction?

“And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.”  Mark 11:21-22.

Blessings,

Kayla