Nothing but Leaves

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.” And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:12-14 ESV).

 

I grew up around fig trees. I call them trees since they were big enough to climb their branches to pick the figs from the top without a ladder. It was always a treat for me when they began to ripen. Even today I consider fresh figs to be a wonderful snack.

 

As Jesus and his disciples walked along toward Jerusalem, they came across an unexpected surprise: a fig tree in full leaf. This was a surprise because it was too early in the year for figs. But where there was a fig tree in leaf, therefore, you could expect figs. So, Jesus and the disciples went over to the tree to see if it had any fruit. It had none. What seemed at first to be a remarkable tree turned out to be a disappointment. So, Jesus said to the tree: "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And he walked away.

 

The next day, as they left Jerusalem and passed by the same tree, the disciples were astonished to find the tree totally withered. When Peter expressed his surprise about the tree, Jesus used the opportunity to teach two lessons. The first lesson was about failure. The empty tree serves as a warning that we cannot pretend to be spiritually alive, for we won't bear any fruit.

 

The second lesson is about faith. Jesus says, "Have faith in God." We are to trust in him for all the life and strength we need to serve him. When we are rooted in Jesus through sincere prayer, our faith will bear fruit. Our faith in Christ will be strong enough to help move people to believe in Jesus and enter his kingdom. Through his strength in us, we'll show he's alive!

 

Be a fig tree in full leaf with plenty of fruit!