To fig or not to fig

The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it. (Mark 11:12-14 NLT)

A fig tree must have young roots already or it will be barren for the season.  The first figs ripen in late May or early June.  The tree in Mark 11:13 should have had fruit, unripe indeed, but existing.  In some lands fig-trees bear the early fruit under the leaves and the later fruit above the leaves.  In that case the leaves were a sign that there should have been fruit, unseen from a distance, underneath the leaves.  The condemnation of this fig-tree lay in the absence of any sign of fruit.

(Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, pg 434)

Jesus may have used this as an illustration of faith (see verses 20-27), but here are some lessons on fruit bearing in our lives:

1.  Be careful that we as his followers aren't "outwardly" showing green but fruit is non-existing.

     The religious in Jesus day loved to toot their own horns for the approval of others.  Their fruit was nonexistent because they were root-bound in tradition and law.  Oh they were producing leaves but without the seed in the fruit they would never multiply.  When they died, they took with them the ability to produce and feed (sow into) a future generation.

2.  Others should "see" our fruit before they even approach us to "hear" about our fruit or lack of.

      I personally never met Mother Teresa but her fruit exists today and will continue to be seen in generations that she selflessly invested in.  She once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”

Jesus blew Nathanael away when he greeted him as a man of integrity.  He witnessed the fruit of Nathanael's beliefs before he heard it from Nathanael's mouth (John 1:45-51)

Anyone who has to boast about what they are doing will eventually be undone by their doing.  Our life should witness our beliefs.

3.  Life or death comes out of where we plant our roots (vs. 20)

     But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News...And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. (Colossians 1:23, 2:6,7NLT)

Having a heart of gratitude and thanksgiving is the food the soil of our hearts needs to produce fruit, which in turn produces life.

The apostle Paul knew this to be the key to a fruitful life.  Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord. I never get tired of telling you these things, and I do it to safeguard your faith. (Philippians 3:1 NLT)

Negativism, quarreling, jealousy, hostility selfish ambition, division, dissension...if this is the ground you and I are planting our roots then we will produce a one-time harvest of death. (Gal 5:19-21)

If, however, we choose the soil of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control then "there is no limit" to the fruitfulness and life we will produce. (Gal 5:22-26)

To fig or not to fig, the choice is up to you and me.