Faith and Figs

Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it. (Mark 11:12-14)

 

Jesus was hungry, and the fig tree had no figs to satisfy His hunger. The Lord has little tolerance for fruit trees with no fruit, even when it is out of season. Spiritually speaking, seasons do not have to do with the time of year, but with faithfulness and fruitfulness. In other words, the season for fruit is whenever Jesus is looking for fruit — and that may be at any given moment. Therefore, the fig tree failed the most basic test of being ready in and out of season. (2 Timothy 4:2) Is there fruit hanging from your branches today? Is it the fruit of the Spirit? (Galatians 5:22-23)

 

Jesus teaches us a tree is known by the quality of its fruit, and the fruit is determined by the root. If we are not rooted in Christ, our fruit will be unripe, sour, and unpleasant. Those who eat it will be sickened and repulsed by it, and we will leave a bad taste in their mouths as it pertains to our Lord and His church. However, if our hope is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and if we are filled with His Spirit, then our branches will bear the peaceable fruits of righteousness, and everyone who eats of it will experience refreshment, joy, and health as a result — men and women who encounter us will "taste and see that the Lord is good!" Therefore, our lives are valued by what we feed others through our words and actions. So, once again my friend, what's on your branches?

Let’s Pray – Dear Lord, may I be found ready when You call. May there be abundant fruit of the Spirit on my branches and may many receive nourishment and refreshment from the life I have surrendered to You. In Jesus, Amen.