Leviticus 7 & 8, Mark 11: 1-26, Psalm 37: 10-20
Mark 11: 13-14 (ESV)
“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.”
In verses 13 and 14 from Mark 11, we see Jesus cursing a fig
tree because it had leaves but no fruit. Jesus cursed the fig tree to have
never have fruit and his disciples heard the curse. In my study Bible the fig
tree is often seen as a symbol of Israel, so the curse on the fig tree can been
seen as symbolic of divine judgement on Israel for appearing righteous but
lacking spiritual fruit. Jesus may also have wanted to show his disciples an example
of God’s punishment for spiritual barrenness. God expects that those who
believe in him have faith that results in action, and not just the appearance of
having faith. We need to always ask ourselves if our faith and belief in Jesus
Christ can be seen in our actions. Are we reading God’s words every day and
dwelling with him? Are we asking God for help in our lives? Do our actions and
words show us to be people of faith? Are we behaving like Jesus when we are with
other people? Christ is saying to us that our faith in him must be reflected our
inward and outward life, and if it is not, we will be judged by him. When I
read these words, I always ask myself if I am following the two greatest commandments
that Christ said we must follow – am I loving God and am I loving my neighbor
as I love myself?
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