“And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.” ~ Matthew 21:19
Reference:
As Jesus journeyed into Jerusalem, He received adulations from the behemoth crowd who hailed Him as the King of Zion, coming on a lowly donkey. Palm fronds and clothes were spread on the road as He traveled. He then proceeded to the temple, where He overturned the tables of money changers and dove sellers. While there, the blind and lame came to Him, and He healed them. Of course, He paused to sign autographs for children crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David” (my imagination). All in a day’s job. He retired and spent the night at Bethany.
He returned to city-center the next day hungry. He came upon a fig tree, expecting to find figs, but it had nothing but leaves. Fig trees usually bring forth fruits before they do leaves; so, when Jesus saw leaves, He expected to find figs to eat, but upon finding none, He told the fig tree, ‘Time up! No fruit will ever grow on you again.’ This seems harsh, but it is actually instructive.
In the bible, the fig tree often speaks of Israel, “I found Israel…your fathers as the first fruits on the fig tree,” Hosea 9:10. When the disciples later asked Jesus (in Jerusalem) about end-time events, He gave a parable of the fig tree, referring to events that will happen in Jerusalem – Matthew 24:32-33. The fig tree is a symbol of Israel’s national privileges. So, the application of this incident to Israel is simple. Israel had enjoyed several privileges from God (Romans 9:4-5); the least God expected from her was to bear corresponding fruits, the most prominent of which was to receive Jesus as the Messiah. However, all they had to show for these privileges were the ‘leaves’ of a well-organized religious system, elaborate ecclesiastical (church) garments and an architectural masterpiece of a temple – all dipped in dead ritualism. Since all Jesus saw from national Israel was just a ‘showy’ religion, He told them, ‘Time up!’ for their hypocrisy.
Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem speaks of the close of an era, the end of Jesus’ earthly life, and prophetically, the end of the age. Therefore, this Easter season should remind us of the fact that we are drawing close to the end of all things. Take a look at all your God-given privileges – His word (on many devices and platforms), life, healings, salvation, forgiveness, provisions, etc., and let your life move beyond just the ‘leaves’ of half-hearted devotion, to bearing fruits of obedience and service to God, and of love for humanity. The time is short. This is not the time to ‘play games’ with your relationship with God; it is not the time to play church – bearing the Christian name, but not living the Christian life. The King is visiting His fig trees (you and I) and seeking fruits; make a commitment today, to let your life count in the things that count before God. May your life always produce pleasing and useful fruits for our King and Lord, Jesus Christ.
SCRIPTURE QUOTE
ADDITIONAL READING
II Peter 3:10-18, Luke 13:6-9 & Matthew 24:32-35
PRAYERS:
+ Father, I thank you for all the privileges that you have given me (mention some). I do not take them for granted.
+ Lord, I receive Your grace to live a life that brings You glory – fruits that are pleasing to You.
+ By faith, I declare, O Lord, that all Your investments in me will bring good returns to You.
May my life count for the things that count to God. Amen.
Have mercy upon me Lord! Let me not be found wanting.
God has done so much for me , I must have something to show for it.
May my life be a witness to the faithfulness of God in my life. May His investments in me bring Him returns that are pleasing to Him, in Jesus’ name.