Scripture – “Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.”
Matthew 21:18-19 NIV
Observation – Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree and wanted to pick figs and eat them. The fig tree had no fruit, Jesus said, “May you never bear fruit again” and the tree withered.
Application – This was a real event as opposed to a parable. Jesus was illustrating that his believers should bear fruit in their lives. If we have been transformed by Jesus death, resurrection and him forgiving our sins our lives should be different. Galatians 5:19-23 says, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Are you a fig tree bearing abundant fruit? Do you have a couple of figs or are you barren? If you are not bearing abundant fruit confess your sins and spend time with Jesus and ask him to transform you for his kingdom. The best way to do this is to spend undivided time with Jesus during your day. This means setting time aside, in quiet place, with just you, Jesus and the Bible. Too many believers are trying to be efficient and listen to the Bible while they get ready in the morning, drive to work or exercise. There is nothing wrong with doing these things but they shouldn’t be a substitue for time with just you and him.
Prayer – Dear Jesus, I thank you that you desire time with us. I thank you that you have plans for us that result in well lived lives. I pray that all believers would produce fruit so that you would be glorified and unbelievers would want to be united with you. Amen.
What are you doing? Do it better 