Leaves or Figs?

Daily Reading: Mark 11

Scripture Focus: On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11.12-14)

Devotional Thought: What?  Jesus cursed a fig tree?  That seems out of character, doesn’t it?  Perhaps even impetuous? 

Well, let’s not get hung up on what we don’t understand.  Instead, let’s consider a few things about this story that are plain on the surface.

• Jesus was hungry.  This is a frank reminder of his humanity and even his weakness.  He had been working hard, keeping long hours, and confronting antagonists.  He expended a lot of energy doing this.  So, just like you and me, he got hungry.  But, let this simple sentence remind you that Jesus is “hungry” to see people come into the Kingdom.  He is “thirsty” for deepening relationships with those he loves.

• The fig tree had leaves, but no fruit.  It had all the appearances of being able to satisfy Jesus’ hunger, but it lacked the critical ingredient: figs.  We, too, can take on the right appearance but not have any fruit hidden behind our leaves of pretense.  It is tempting to want to appear to others that we are wonderful Christians, but the real test is the fruit we bear.

• Although it was not the season for figs, Jesus pronounced “judgment” on the tree anyway.  Jesus’ action here makes a stark pronouncement: “I’m not going to tolerate a facade instead of fruit.”  Jesus doesn’t care for our excuses.  He simply wants us to be completely surrendered to him.

• The fruitless tree withered from the roots.  The condition of the fruitless tree was completely hopeless.  Dried up from the roots.  No chance of life.  When we settle for style over substance, our spiritual lives begin to dry up and will eventually wither. I want to make sure that I stay connected to The Root!

Prayer: Lord, I don't want to be like the barren fig tree - all leaves and no fruit.  Help me to draw life-giving sustenance from you and to bear fruit: the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of souls won to the kingdom.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 20.6-9

6 Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

8 They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.

9 O LORD, save the king! May he answer us when we call.