“Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves.” (Matthew 21:19)
I grew up in the embrace of Christian faith, raised by loving, godly parents (mom plus pastor dad). When I was in kindergarten, I chose to ask Jesus to forgive my sins. That’s good news!
But there’s bad news too. Growing up in church meant I’ve always known just what a Christian ought to “look like.” I’m continually tempted to pursue good actions—not to please God, but to earn the esteem of others or prop up my perception of myself. When I’m operating out of my own strength and plan instead of Christ’s, the results fall short. I may say, “I’ll pray for you,” and then barely do it. I may seem friendly and then not follow through. I may volunteer for a ministry and then feel dry.
Jesus was hungry; a fig tree by the road had leafed out early and seemed to promise a treat. Normally fig leaves and fruit emerge at the same time. But when Jesus looked closely, He found no figs—not even tiny ones that would ripen later. The promise was empty.
The barren tree may have symbolized Israel’s attempts to please God without faith in Jesus. But it can also illustrate a danger for believers who try to do the right things on their own and for the wrong reasons. We’re showing leaves, but the fruit is not there!
The remedy for “empty promises” is to be in communion with Christ and draw on His strength. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
The disciples are amazed at Jesus’ ability to make the fig tree wither. He tells them, “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer” (Matthew 21:22). We’re weak on our own, but Jesus has power!
When I do rely on Christ and His Spirit, He brings forth the fruit He desires in me and through me. We all need to be “rooted and established” in “the love of Christ” who is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:17-20).
For reflection:
- What are some practical ways you can stay “rooted” in Jesus?
- How does the promise of verse 22 encourage you in your prayers?
by Susan Gilliland
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