On Monday, as Jesus + His disciples were returning to Jerusalem, He was hungry. Spotting a fig tree, He walked towards the tree hoping for the first century equivalent of a “fast food” breakfast. When He reached the tree there was nothing on it but leaves.
The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. 14 Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” + the disciples heard him say it. —Mark 11:12-14 NLT
According to the ESV Study Bible, the fruit of a fig tree usually appeared about the same time as the leaves or just a little after. The appearance of leaves in full bloom should have indicated that fruit—in the form of new figs—were already growing on the tree. Instead, the “fig tree” was barren.
Mark’s account gives us this little insight, “ . . . it was not the season for figs . . . ” (11:13). But a fig tree with leaves was “advertising” fruit.
As Daniel Akin in his commentary on the Gospel of Mark writes, this tree was saying, “Come to me. Others may be barren, but not me. I have [some] fruit for you.”[1]
The tree looked good, but it was empty. It was barren. It had failed its purpose in providing food for a hungry world. Jesus was upset. He immediately spoke to the tree, “No more figs from this tree . . . Ever!” (Matthew 21:19 MSG)
Matthew’s gospel condenses the event. Mark’s gospel gives us the chronological order. Fast forward 24 hours + the next day the fig tree had withered + the disciples were blown away at the power of Jesus’ word + the swiftness of His judgment (Mark 11:20).
For the casual reader, the story can appear odd. I mean, what’s going on in this passage + with this story?
According to Andres Kostenberger, “Israel is often characterized as a fig tree in the Old Testament (Jeremiah 8:13; Hosea 9:10, 16; Joel 1:7), + Jesus’ cursing the fig tree symbolized God’s judgment upon a nation that had the outward appearance of life, but failed to bear fruit.”[2]
I believe this is also a revelation of God’s heart when it comes to hypocrisy—of God’s heart when it comes to those who have the appearance that they’re bearing fruit, but upon closer inspection, it’s all for show.
The heart of God + the expectation of Jesus is that we bear fruit. God’s first command was for us to “Be fruitful + multiply” (Genesis 1:22).
According to Leonard Sweet + Frank Viola when God gave us that command, He was simply calling upon us to “reflect His nature. He is fruitful + multiplies” + He longs for us to do the same![3]
Today’s Verse: Then God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful + multiply. Let the fish fill the seas + let the birds multiply on the earth.” —Genesis 1:22 NLT
Today’s Prompt: Do you believe God wants you to represent Him + be fruitful, as He is fruitful?
Today’s Gratitude: I am grateful I can bear fruit in + out of season.
Today’s Prayer: Father, I want to reflect Your nature, but I need Your help to do so. I don’t want the appearance of bearing fruit or a life lived as a hypocrite. I’m asking that You show me ways to be fruitful + multiply in my own life, so people see the sweetness of a life lived with + for You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
[1] Daniel Akin, Exalting Jesus In Mark, Location 5454 of 9730.
[2] Andres Kostenberger, The Final Days of Jesus, Location 465 of 3547
[3] Leonard Sweet + Frank Viola, Jesus: A Theography, page 205.