LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 21:18-19, Now in the early morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves alone; and He *said to it, 'No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.'  And at once the fig tree withered.

Pastor Jonathon Moore continued with teaching on clips from The Chosen series. This weekend he taught on Jesus cursing the fig tree. “This is the only ‘destructive’ miracle Jesus performed; in doing this He was exposing and correcting a broken theology” (JM). Pastor mentioned the importance of what Jesus did by reminding the listeners that two of the gospel writers wrote about this event. Why? “Because Jesus was on a mission this week that does not end. He needed those who would come a long side of Him to share His message – then and now” (JM).

It is Monday of this very important week in the life of Jesus. Jesus had left where He was staying early in the morning to return to Jerusalem, and He was hungry. He saw a fig tree that was full with leaves; it looked like it would have fruit on it, but Jesus found it had no figs. The tree was deceiving as it had great potential but gave nothing. The tree gave the impression of vitality and fullness, but upon closer inspection, it was barren. Jesus used this moment to teach His disciples about genuine faith and the importance of bearing spiritual fruit.

Jesus used the barren fig tree to represent judgment on Israel for their spiritual barrenness despite giving the outward impression or show of being very religious. Cursing the fig tree is a powerful image of the spiritual state of Israel at that time. It certainly reinforces the idea that genuine faith should be seen by the Believer’s actions and spiritual fruit-bearing.

The message Jesus was sharing about the fig tree with His disciples is as relevant today as it was then. “Jesus has given every [Believer] potential to share His message. How could a tree that looked so healthy be so unfruitful? Be careful about being all leaves with no fruit” (JM). Notice in the version above that the tree is mentioned as being “alone.” “It is impossible to grow in the potential God has placed within you when isolated from God’s people. Learn you are not alone when facing difficult situations” (JM). Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” (NLT). It is essential for Believers to be challenged, even questioned, by other Believers, if not they may remain dull. I am so thankful for those in my life who have spoken into my life, challenging me to grow in God’s Word and to walk the narrow way in faith and obedience. I am thankful so many were there to help me get up when I fell. I needed that helping hand and encouragement often!

Pastor said that “image is not fruit. Jesus needed figs – not leaves. When leaves are present, fruit is advertised. It is a bad place to be – pretending to be okay (having leaves) but not being okay (no fruit).” He continued, “You can fool others, you cannot fool God! God is not impressed with what you show, only with what you grow!

Pastor said, “Don’t be a pretender, be a doer.” John 10:10 tells us that Jesus said He came to give us life, an abundant life. That does not mean an abundance of ‘stuff’ but the desire and ability for Believers to show what He has done for them. The abundant life He gives you is not just for you but so other can see it and be blessed with it as well.

May Jesus (and others) not just see the leaves in your life but the fruit that comes with them!