Looking for Fruit
Matthew 21:18-22 is the record of Jesus and the fig tree event. Why did He curse it? Was He expressing frustration because He was hungry and couldn’t find anything to eat? We might do that but not Jesus. Consider
three things that can be seen in this act of the Lord. First, believers are expected to be fruitful in ministry—“He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves.” (vv. 18-19a) It was early in the year for the fig tree to have fruit, yet on occasion, a fig tree will produce early in the year. But if it didn’t have fruit yet, it shouldn’t have had leaves either! Jesus saw the leaves and expected to find fruit as well. Many Christians at first glance appear the same, but a closer examination reveals that there is no fruit in their lives. Second, believers are judged by Jesus for fruitfulness—“[He] said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” (v. 19b) Despite many spiritual advantages, Israel didn’t provide God with fruit. Jesus’ act illustrates God’s judgment against Israel for her fruitlessness—ultimately rejecting the Messiah. God exercises much patience and intercession before He brings judgment. Luke 13:8-9 is a powerful illustration: ‘Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. And if it bears fruit, well. But if not, after that you can cut it down.’” Third, believers are affected by judgment in God’s timing—“Immediately the fig tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither away so soon?” (vv. 19c-20) The word “immediately” here is a relative term: the tree may have died immediately, but the evidence was not visible until the next day (See Mark 11:14, 20) How does this apply to the Christian today? The barren fig-tree represents hypocrites. Christ looks for fruit in those who profess Him as Lord and Savior, and He enjoys finding it with those who are faithful.
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
