The Fruitless Fig Tree

“Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it… He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again!’ And His disciples were listening.” Mark 11:12-14 NASB

It was the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when Jesus saw a fig tree. Finding no figs, He declared, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” Later Peter pointed out that the tree had withered. Only after Jesus’ explanation did His disciples realize the meaning.

Here, this tree symbolized God’s blessings, for He blesses us to meet our needs, but also to help us serve Him. This tree symbolized His calling, and leaves were symbols of lives that produced fruit.

The tree might have had an excuse, because “it was not the season.” But Jesus approached when He was “hungry.” He called, and it wasn’t ready. Even worse, this tree was “in leaf,” appearing to bear fruit. But there were no figs. Thus this tree was a symbol of hypocrisy, of those who appeared faithful and ready, but were not.

Jesus later used figs to illustrate His second coming (Mark 13:28). Thus the absence of figs symbolized those who weren’t ready for His coming. Who weren’t focused on serving Him.

As throughout His ministry, Jesus made clear that He looks for followers whose lives bear fruit. Who allow His supernatural power to flow through them. Who are surrendered to His Spirit. Whose minds are filled with His Word. Who are sure about what they believe, and put faith into action. Who banish doubt and have a vital prayer life, confident that the things they pray for “will be granted you.” And who practice forgiveness.

Ask God to help you to be fruitful, and ready all the time.

Prayer: Father, thank You for all that You have given me. Help me to be a forgiving person, and to banish doubt. I seek to be fruitful for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.