Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 11-12 CEB

Support

Please remember that this is a listener supported show. Your support of any amount is needed and very much appreciated. Find out how by clicking here.

Thoughts

Jesus entered Jerusalem a day earlier to the cries of “Hosanna!” This was his last week on Earth. Near the end of the day, he went to Bethany with his disciples (the twelve).

During his return trip from Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree in the distance with leaves on it. Because fig trees usually have fruit before the leaves appear, Jesus expected there to be fruit on the tree. But when he approached the tree and saw none, he cursed it. It is interesting that fig trees often bear two or three crops of figs in a growing season, and depending on climate and growing conditions, fig trees can bear fruit ten months out of the year. So it was certainly reasonable to expect fruit on a tree that had leaves on it.

Symbolically, fig trees are often used in Scripture to represent Israel. Note that after Jesus cursed the tree, he went directly to the Temple, where he threw out those who were selling and buying. The cursing of the fig tree, and the cleansing of the Temple had great spiritual meaning. It was a criticism of the spiritual condition of Israel and how they were worshipping. This criticism can also be extrapolated to those who profess to be Christians, but who are bearing no fruit. 

A fruitful fig tree was a symbol of blessing and prosperity for the nation of Israel, and a dead fig tree represented judgement. So the fig tree here in Mark 11 showed that Israel was spiritually dead. They had the outward signs of being religious with their sacrifices and such, but their sin revealed the fact that they were, in fact, spiritually dead. By cursing the tree and cleansing the Temple, Jesus showed that He had the authority to bring judgement. 

Going through the motions of religion is not sufficient. It is no guarantee of salvation or approval from God. In James 2:26, we learn that “faith without works is dead.” Jesus said in John 15:5-8  

5I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, then you will produce much fruit. Without me, you can’t do anything. 6If you don’t remain in me, you will be like a branch that is thrown out and dries up. Those branches are gathered up, thrown into a fire, and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8My Father is glorified when you produce much fruit and in this way prove that you are my disciples.

Galatians 5:22-23 tells us what the fruit of the spirit is.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Galatians 5:22-23a CEB

Sometimes it’s good to do a “fruit check.”