Lack of Fruit Brings God's Curse

Mark 11:13-14, 20-21: "And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, 'May no one ever eat fruit from you again.' And his disciples heard it . . . . As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. And Peter remembered and said to him, "Master, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered.' And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God . . . . "


This passage gives account of Jesus returning to Jerusalem from Bethany on the east side of the Mount of Olives in anticipation of His death and resurrection. As Jesus and His disciples walked westward across the mountain on the way to Jerusalem, Jesus approached a fig tree to see if any fruit might be found on it. The tree from a distance seemed as if it would have something on it; after all it gave an impressive, outward display with lots of leaves. But as Jesus drew closer to the fig tree, he noticed that it had no fruit on it. Again, the tree gave a good external presentation, but it failed in fulfilling its purpose and potential.

In response, Jesus would curse the tree, in effect bringing judgment upon that which did not bring glory to the Lord. That next morning, when the disciples passed by again the spot where the tree was, they saw that the tree had withered to its roots. For the disciples to discern that the roots were impacted, they likely would have gone over to inspect the plant. Peter then would confirm to Jesus that the tree was in fact dead, to which Jesus responded that they must have faith.

What is noteworthy is that Jesus performed this sign during a period when the people in Jerusalem had received Jesus into the city with shouts of "Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Mark 11:9). They had placed their garments and leafy branches before Jesus has he rode on a colt into the city. Jesus however knew that their shouts of praise were filled with expectation that He would fulfill their purpose as a political revolutionary who would rid them of the Roman occupation. They too liked His miraculous healings and provisions of food. Therefore, these people were not yielded to Him as Lord; rather, they were opportunists who saw potential in Him to meet their own needs.

Within a week, many of these people would turn on Jesus with shouts of "Crucify Him!" because He no longer fulfilled their expectations. For Jesus to reply to Peter and the disciples that they must have faith would tell them, that they must not want Him for what they might get from Him; rather, they would have to trust that He is the One True Lord of hosts, who is worthy of our surrender, our allegiance, and our faithful obedience. This necessitates capitulation of self-centered agendas for the purposes of the Lord. Only then will a person produce much fruit for the glory of God, through the power of Christ (John 15:5). Otherwise, we will be spiritually barren and subject to eternal condemnation.

Let us not merely give a good display of "spirituality." Rather, let us be genuine in our faithful allegiance to Christ as Lord. Let us produce the fruit of righteousness, as we take upon ourselves the yoke of submission to the Lord, permitting His power to radiate in and through us, leading to glorious spiritual produce. It is then that the Lord will be pleased and will desire to bless us for our faithfulness to Him.