In our last study, we were looking at the story of Jesus and the fruitless fig tree.
Let’s read it again: “On the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, (Jesus) was hungry. Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever.” (Mark 11:12-14 KJV)
On the surface, whoa. Jesus seems to be a bit rash in His treatment of the barren fig tree. It begs the question, WHAT was Jesus really looking for that day? Was He expecting more than what the tree was able to give?
According to Dr. Craig Keener, Professor of Biblical Studies at Asbury Seminary, when fig trees in that region present their leaves, they typically also produce little pre-season knobby “fruit”—early evidence of a FUTURE harvest. These little knobs are not yet appetizing, but they ARE edible and nourishing enough for a quick snack.
But, the text says that when Jesus looked at THAT tree, He found nothing. Nothing but leaves. The word in the original text is “οὐδείς” (oudeis) or “nothing at all.” The FIG tree’s beautiful leaves didn’t count for anything.
Another thought is that Jesus might’ve been looking for evidence of PREVIOUS fruitfulness. According to Christian Hebraist John Lightfoot, it’s not uncommon to find that “some figs from the previous year’s crop might still cling to the branches. Yeshua might have hoped to find some branch-dried figs (from last season) among the new leaves. Instead, He found the tree had BEEN fruitless.” —Cursed Fig Tree, First Fruits of Zion.
Fact is, some fruit trees are lazy, spending all their resources just to look beautiful. It’s generally thought that if a fruit tree’s growing environment is TOO optimal—i.e. if it’s under no duress, not having to compete for the resources it needs, without the pain of pruning, it may spend all its energy on simply GROWING. It may develop strong, healthy, LEAFY branches, rather than doing the hard work of reproducing itself through the FRUIT it was created and designed to bear.
The Apostle John suggests a reason and a remedy for fruitlessness. “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit … Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” (John 15:2,4 KJV)
Here’s the bottom line: a fruit tree, though healthy in other ways, is commercially worthless if it’s disconnected from its true source of life and purpose: to produce the FRUIT it was created to bear. Strength without struggle produces only leafy arrogance without value or substance. Though pruning is necessary, it is painful. Perfectly beautiful branches are often cut off—distorting the look—BUT increasing the production of FRUIT.
We’re not called to be cute—we’re called to be fruitful.
And that’s the point—Jesus is always looking for fruit. Abundance is always in season. Though it may come through struggle and even suffering, God will give us all the resources we need to fulfill His will for us to be fruit-bearing. Even if, at times, our fruit may seem immature and imperfect. Or when we have to patiently wait, holding onto our fruit until the season it is needed.
What the Master hopes is that we are continually ready and willing to GIVE MORE THAN WE TAKE.
One more thing: It’s interesting that the Apostle Paul also included in a final letter to his protege, Timothy, a few more “famous last words.” He said, “Preach the word; be instant (in the present) in season, out of season … (2 Timothy 4:2 KJV) Paul wanted Timothy to remember to remain continually faithful and fruitful in the Word and the Will of the LORD—in ALL “seasons.”
Producing fruit generously is how we say “Thank You!” for the resources God has provided. The more we GIVE, the more He will provide for us to GIVE.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, You have designed and fashioned me to fulfill Your will for me. Help me to stay close to You, to KNOW Your purpose, and to simply be obedient to produce the “fruit” You’re looking for in me. Help me to live OUTWARDLY and to always GIVE MORE THAN I TAKE. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(Part 2 of 2)
