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Mark 11:12-14
In Mark 11:12-14 is the story of Jesus coming to a fig tree that was not bearing any fruit. Even though the tree was not in season to bear fruit, Jesus cursed the tree to never feed anyone again. This is quite interesting as, if the tree was out of season, why did Jesus curse it for not bearing any fruit? But the answer is found in the nation of Israel not producing any fruit from their lives from God. On the evening before this event Jesus had ridden into Jerusalem on a donkey – the triumphant entry – (Mark 11:1-11) and went to the temple. What Jesus saw in the temple in Mark 11:11 has a direct result on His actions in Mark 11:15-19, which will be the topic of tomorrow’s lesson. The nation of Israel has been referred to as not bearing any fruit (Hosea 9:10, 16; Joel 1:7; Micah 7:1-2), and Jesus has witnessed this as He entered the temple in Jerusalem.
This is an example that those who bear no fruit for the LORD will wither as a branch that bears no fruit.
Jesus declares in John 15:5-8 (NKJV), “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Dear LORD,
Please help us to realize and understand that we should bear fruit from You working in our lives through Your Holy Spirit that dwells within us who believe in Jesus and follow His commands (John 14:15-18, 26). As we bear fruit for You in our lives, please help us to see that we are bringing glory to You through our lives – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.