If you are reading through the Gospels of Matthew or Mark this Holy Week, you can’t help but miss what many Bibles label as “The Cursing of the Fig Tree.”
It’s a story I like to skip over, but mostly because I haven’t understood it.
I know it’s just a tree, but my empathy kicks in big time with each re-reading of the account. This poor tree, growing there, not bothering anyone, when Jesus comes along, hungry as he returned to the city from Bethany where he had stayed the night. He saw the tree from a distance, full of leaves, and went to it for its fruit. The closer he got, though, he found nothing! Leaves, but no fruit, so he cursed the tree so that it would never bear fruit again.
Wasn’t that unfair? Maybe that just wasn’t the season of bearing fruit! What did the tree do wrong?
I wondered if maybe Jesus was overreacting until I read in a commentary a while back that normally the leaves and the fruit appear at the same time. There really was a problem with this tree. It appeared to be healthy — full leaves, adequate sun, proper location — but despite these blessings, it failed to yield the one thing it was created to give: fruit.
Now in this account, Jesus used the fig tree to make a point. It serves as an illustration of the rejection of Israel, a nation that was given every advantage but still remained unfruitful.
But I wonder about us. We might have every advantage out there. Maybe we were raised by Christian parents. We might have 10 Bibles lining our shelves. Perhaps we go to church and even get involved! We might know the right things to say and the appropriate things to do, but none of that is what will save us and make us fruitful.
If you’re following along in Clean on the Inside: A Family Devotional for Holy Week, this is a similar idea to what we read about with the “whitewashed tombs.” The Pharisees appeared righteous on the outside: observing the law and keeping up appearances, but inside, they were full of sin! They had not been cleaned on the inside!
We, too, might look good on the outside doing all sorts of religious activities, but Jesus looks at the heart. Apart from Jesus, we can not be saved!
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).
We can bear fruit, but the fruit that God is looking for comes not from ourselves. It comes from Christ dwelling in us!
For those of us who have believed in Jesus as our Savior, I believe there is an application here for us, too. Maybe I’m reading into it a little, but I take this story to heart. There is a little part of me that wonders what type of fruit Jesus would see if He looked at my life. Would he see any?
Does my life appear fruitful from a distance but upon closer inspection reveal a barren life, lacking the fruit God created me to grow?
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last” (John 15:16).
It’s not necessarily about doing more. In fact, for some of us, it will mean doing less. Fruit is not the result of our doing. It is the result of our abiding.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
If we are to bear fruit in our lives, if we are to be more than just a tree with leaves, we must abide in Christ and walk by the Spirit.
“For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
Question for you:
Where are you on the “abiding scale” today? Are you struggling with what it means to remain in Christ or walk by the Spirit, or is the Spirit producing fruit in your life?
If you are struggling, how can we pray for you or what questions do you have?
If you are abiding, share what that looks like in your life. How are we to abide in Christ?
Oh, this just strikes at my heart today. I struggle to walk the talk. There are times I feel like I am absolutely on the right path, and then-Boom!-I fall to my knees in embarrassment because I realize I have wandered so far off the path. Sometimes it’s about judging others, sometimes about being prideful, sometimes it’s just plain foolish behavior.
That’s a great little visual for me-to remain attached to His lifeline-the vine-so I may bear truly wonderful fruit.
Thanks for the nudge today!
I can so relate, Kim! And that is why I am so. incredibly. grateful for grace!
Thanks for taking the time to share your heart here.
I just love your website. It’s beautiful. Thanks for your comment on my blog! I was really touched by your post on the fruit in our lives. I think it is so critical to evaluate our hearts and what it is producing. I’ve been trying to do that more. I loved the question on what kind of fruit I might be producing specifically. I’m thinking about that one! Thanks again…I look forward to reading more posts :)
Thank you, Kathy, for your kind words about the site and the post.
I am often convicted about the state of my heart. So many times I think I’m on the right track and then some attitude or action will spill out, and I think, “Where did THAT come from?!” Yet the Bible reminds us that it is out of the overflow of our hearts that our mouths speak!
So thankful that we don’t have to do it on our own, but we have a Helper who works in and through us!
This post is so insightful! There is always something we can learn each time we read the word isn’t there? AFter all, it is the Living word of God, so how could we not? Thank you for posting this one!
Have a wonderful Easter!
It amazes me, too, Margo! So thankful that it is living and active and that we have the Holy Spirit in our lives to bring His truth to life!
Erika–‘leaves or fruit’–I like that question. My word for 2012 is ‘Dwell’, so I’ve done a lot of studying on what that means. Stay in the Word, take time to be in His presence. Worship often. I’m an empty nester full time worker bee, so I have a little more ‘free’ time to be with Jesus–in my closet and in my world….I’m so thankful for His grace each day!
Ooo, Jody, “dwell.” That words speaks to me. My word is “waiting” but in many ways the type of waiting He put on my heart as I sought Him was just that — dwelling. Waiting on Him, resting in His presence, trusting His heart. Not doing, but being.
Thanks for taking the time to share!
I have always wondered about this passage as well. Thank you SO MUCH for your insightful comments and clarification. I truly understand this passage now where previously, I too, felt sympathy for the fig tree. Thank you!!
And I’m reflecting right now on how to do less so I can abide…
Wow, this is such a powerful post. I have often wondered about the cursing of the fig tree! It never seem to fit into my image of Jesus and I just never understood it. Your explanation just opened my eyes wide though. I continually get caught up in thinking bearing fruit means doing more stuff. I’ve been praying actually for God to let me do more for Him. And while I still hope He allows me opportunities to love & serve others, I’ve failed spectacularly at simply abiding in Him. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your wisdom in this post today!
I can definitely relate, Ally. I think that’s part of the “tension” we live in and face as believers. He has called us to DO good works, but so often we DO on our own before we’ve ever just sat and waited and listened to His heart. The BEing has to come first and the DOing is a natural outflow.
I wish I could say I’ve got it mastered :) but I think it will be a lifelong journey!
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words, Ally! Praying for you today.
Grateful for your explanation here. I, too, have skimmed over that story, uncertain of the deeper meaning. I’m grateful for your digging, and for your inquisitiveness. Thank you for putting in the hard work for the rest of us.
– Jennifer