8. Sometimes Things Are Not As They Appear
I'm not very familiar with figs or fig trees. My only connection might be that I enjoy a Fig Newton every once in a while, that's about it. However, a fig tree becomes a central point of emphasis for what Jesus teaches in chapter 11 of Mark's gospel.
Jesus and his disciples are heading into Jerusalem, and Jesus is hungry. Up ahead he sees a fig tree, mature and full of leaves. Even though it's a little early for the fig harvest he's hoping to score some figs. However, when he gets to the tree he discovers there is no sign of fruit, not even a little bud. Here is what he says:
"May no one ever eat fruit from you again." ~ Mark 11:14
Jesus then proceeds with his disciples up into the grand and majestic Temple, the place which represented the presence of God amongst his people, and what does Jesus find? He finds corruption, injustice, and in his own words "a den of robbers". He then cleans house and leaves the Temple.
The next morning as Jesus and his disciples make their way back into the city here is what they saw:
"they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!" ~ Mark 11:20-21
What's the point Jesus is trying to make? Don't just appear to be faithful to God (the leaves of the fig tree/the beautiful Temple). True faithfulness to God produces fruit not corruption. As Jesus says: "Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." ~ Matthew 7:20
What does this teaching mean for those who are disciples of Jesus? You can look the part of a disciple with your "leaves": going to church, giving money, reading the Bible, having theological knowledge, and being a morally good person. However, if there is no "fruit" what good are you to the Kingdom of God?
These are strong words by Jesus and ones we must wrestle with on our journey of following him. To learn more about what the "fruit" of a disciple is and how to develop it, check out episode eight of Come, Follow, Me.
