Taking a Fruit Stand

Read Mark 11:1–12:44

12. As they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.
13. 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.
14. Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it. . . .
20. The next morning as they passed by the fig tree . . . the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up.
21. Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree . . . and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”
22. Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God.
23. I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.” Mark 11:12-14, 20-23

There are few things more frustrating than excuses. A slow driver in the left lane, perhaps. Another would be a church that doesn’t care for people. You probably have a few pet peeves that would qualify as frustrating, too.

Jesus was also frustrated by people and things that didn’t fulfill their purpose or potential. This passage records two accounts of his frustration. But Jesus doesn’t just get bothered by these incidents—he does something about them. Today’s passage exposes the misconception that Jesus was merely a soft-spoken, mild-mannered teacher. He reacted forcefully toward hypocritical religious leaders, profiteering Temple merchants, and an unproductive fig tree. His words and actions were strong, and the number of his enemies was growing.

In the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Jerusalem, true worship had given way to petty merchandising. People who came to participate in the festivals had to exchange their Roman coins for the Temple money. Some of the money changers were exploiting this for their own selfish gain. What should have been fruitful service became selfish pursuit.

People of God who don’t produce godly behavior are as useless as a fig tree that produces no fruit. Genuine fruitfulness requires genuine faith.

As you watch your powerful Lord in action, compare your life with those he castigated for their unfruitfulness and self-centeredness. What can you do to deepen your relationship with God, pushing down your roots and drawing his nourishment?