Lessons from A Fig Tree

Lessons From A Fig Tree Matthew 21:18-22 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry.  (19)  Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered.  (20)  When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.  (21)  Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.  (22)  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." • Jesus has just cleared the temple and that evening he goes back to Bethany to rest. Mat 21:17  And he left them and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.  • The next morning Jesus and his disciples are on their way back to Jerusalem. When he becomes hungry or in the words of a snicker commercial “HANGRY”. • So he finds a fig tree in the distance ◦ Mark 11:13  Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. • Some would think this is out of Jesus Character ◦ He’s angry at the tree for not producing fruit out of season ◦ He uses his power for selfish reason • Let’s look at this closer and what’s really happening ◦ This story takes place the week before his crucifixion around Passover ◦ And since this incident occurred in April, the green leaves should have indicated the presence of the edible buds that Jesus expected to find on the tree. This tree, however, though full of leaves, had no buds. ◦ The point is, Jesus was hoping to find something to eat off this tree and He doesn’t find anything ◦ This was a lesson for the disciple and for Israel that they would face judgment again So what is the point of Jesus cursing this tree??? GOD EXPECTS US TO BE FRUITFUL 1. The tree had the appearance but didn’t produce fruit a. Often Christians appear to have together but don’t prodouce fruit 2. He wants us to fulfill his commands a. Mark 12:29-30  "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.  (30)  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' b. Love God c. Love Others 3. He wants to see the Fruits of the Spirit Evident in our Lives a. Galatians 5:22-23  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  (23)  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 4. He wants us to commune with him 5. The Fig Tree appeared alive but in fact it was dead