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A Fruitless Life is Cursed

by Allen Scott  
3/11/2007 / Bible Studies

Mark 11:12-14 (GW) 12 The next day, when they left Bethany, Jesus became hungry. 13 In the distance he saw a fig tree with leaves. He went to see if he could find any figs on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves because it wasn't the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again!" His disciples heard this.


Jesus curses the fig tree It is true that fig trees around Jerusalem normally begin to get leaves in March or April but do not produce figs until their leaves are all out in June. This tree however would seem to be an exception in that it was already, at the time of the Passover, full of leaves. Therefore Jesus thinking that there could be fruit on this tree headed over for to eat. This got me to ponder some interesting thoughts.

Initially we could say the tree had no fruit because it was not the season for fruit, but then wouldn't Jesus have been unjust to curse the tree because it did not produce fruit before it was time? However; I think, upon deeper reflection and knowing Jesus is not unjust, we see things a little differently.

This passage starts by saying Jesus was hungry. Therefore he would have been looking for food. From a distance Jesus saw this fig tree in leaf. Now one could say a couple leaves could mean in leaf but I think from the context we could conclude it was in full leaf. Why else would Jesus, who is full of the wisdom of God, go toward the tree looking for food? Upon closer observation, Jesus found this full leafed, fig tree to be nothing more then all show and no go. Worthless for the purpose it was created, to produce figs.

Okay, it was out of season for fruit, but it was also out of season to be in full leaf. Why then would the tree be in full leaf if it were not full of figs? There is not much it is good for other then to deceive a hungry traveler into thinking there is food for him to eat.

Why do some things appear to be so full of life, until closer examination reveals no life at all? The tree looking full of life gave false hope and a false sense of security to a truly hungry, searching soul. There is great danger in things that appear to have life only to find out too late that it was a deception. Many lives have been ruined by biting into the fruit of a deceptive tree. Adam fell from the fruit of deception. (Gen 3)

In this light we can see clearly why the LORD would curse this tree. Surely He said to this tree you would not deceive any longer and you will no longer bring forth empty promises and false hope, no one would ever eat fruit from you again, and cursed it to the root.

When questioned, Jesus simply said have faith in God.

Faith in God is the answer to life's deceptions and difficulties. Faith in God brings forth hope and a future. Faith in God waters one's soul and nourishes the spirit. Believing that God can do anything enables one to have the faith that is necessary to move mountains.

If there is any doubt about God's abilities then one becomes mired down in that area of fear, doubt, and unbelief. Not too many mountains are moved by a naysayer. Speak forth God's word, and believe that God can do all things, even the impossible, and you will have the faith that will move mountains. After all He did say I am the tree of life.


Luke 13:6-9 (ASV) 6 And he spake this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit thereon, and found none. 7 And he said unto the vinedresser, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why doth it also cumber the ground? 8 And he answering saith unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: 9 and if it bear fruit thenceforth, well; but if not, thou shalt cut it down.


FigThere must come a time in every believer's life to bear fruit. Each tree planted in God's vineyard has a purpose and is there to provide fruit to feed others. After a time the vinedresser will come inspecting the trees to see what type of fruit is being produced. But the tree that produces no fruit is destined to be cut down and discarded for it is not serving the purpose for which it was planted in God's kingdom.

Failure to produce fruit is the fault of the tree not the vinedresser because God himself is the vinedresser. We must abide in Jesus in order to bring forth fruit for apart from God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit we like this fig tree will be cursed and die. For there is no life in us apart from the branch. (Jesus)


John 15:1-6 (GW) 1 {Then Jesus said,} "I am the true vine, and my Father takes care of the vineyard. 2 He removes every one of my branches that doesn't produce fruit. He also prunes every branch that does produce fruit to make it produce more fruit. 3 "You are already clean because of what I have told you. 4 Live in me, and I will live in you. A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself. It has to stay attached to the vine. In the same way, you cannot produce fruit unless you live in me. 5 "I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who live in me while I live in them will produce a lot of fruit. But you can't produce anything without me. 6 Whoever doesn't live in me is thrown away like a branch and dries up. Branches like this are gathered, thrown into a fire, and burned.


Do no be found fruitless when the time of visitation comes. Do not remain as you are if you are found to be without fruit. Perhaps you have been given a second chance with the Lord to produce fruit do not squander the time alotted to you. Let us all be mindful of our need to produce fruit fit for the Kingdom of God. The vinedresser cometh are you producing fruit fit to eat?

Although the fig tree was dressed up for fruit bearing it had none. Having the appearance of Godliness and not producing the fruits thereof is much like this unfortunate fig tree who met an untimely demise when cursed by Jesus. As a church and as a christian people we are to BE not just appear like Jesus.


They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings like eagles Ish 40:31

http://eagleviews.org

Random ramblings from your resident birdbrain. Waxing eloquent on things that I find interesting along the flight path. Spreading bird droppings along your spiritual pathways.

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