Title: The End of the Fruitless Fig Tree
Contents
Fruitless fig tree (12-14)
The fig tree is not very pretty. Not suitable for firewood, lumber, or construction. Flowers aren't that pretty either. Figs exist for one purpose. It is the fruit. The purpose of God's creation of the fig tree is fruit, but it is only natural that a tree with only leaves without fruit would be cursed.
The leaf is for oneself, the fruit is for others. However, if the leaves are only for the tree itself, not for bearing fruit, the tree loses its value. The reason I exist is not for my sake, but because of me I benefit many people. That is the fruit I must bear.
When God sent us into this world, He wants us to bear fruit, not for ourselves, but for our neighbors. What role do I play in my family and church society? Are you giving me joy? If nothing helps, figs are leafy figs.
Warning against formal faith without fruit (15-18)
The incident that Jesus cursed the fruitless tree is related to the incident that followed the subsequent expelling of the merchants from the temple. At that time, the person offering the sacrifice had to bring an offering, but those coming from far away could not bring it, so they advised to buy an unblemished sacrifice, colluding with merchants to make a huge profit. They told me not to give it, so I had them exchange money, but the priests intervened in the process of exchange and took profit. Jesus knew that the priests intervened in this realm and organized the worship service as a way to collect money rather than to glorify and praise God.
Many Christians today worship God, sing praises, and listen to sermons seriously. However, through that worship, our sins will be cleansed and our lives will be transformed into heaven according to God's Word. Singing hymns, praying, listening to sermons, and giving offerings during worship correspond to leaves in the parable of the fig tree. The leaves must be to bear fruit. In other words, the saints who received grace through worship must create a heavenly home, church, and society through good deeds. This is why we exist and why we worship.
A Christian who only seeks Lord with his mouth and does not change will be turned away from the Lord. It doesn't matter how long you've been to church and what your position is. What kind of fruit we bear in our place of life is important.
3 Ways to Bear Fruit (19-25)
I see a lot of people who fall down like a fig tree that is 6-7 meters tall while living a religious life. Looking at the dried up tree in the words of Jesus, the disciples ask questions. How could this be? Jesus said that a believer must do three things to show his power.
First, believe in God. (verse 22) Have you not seen that a great fig tree withered from its roots? Many who trust in God can do anything.
Second, pray (verses 23-24). The reason my life is powerless and fruitless despite believing in God who creates something out of nothing is because I did not pray. There is no limit to the content of our prayers, but there is no limit to God's ability to answer our prayers.
Third, forgive (Mark 11:25) The reason your prayers are blocked is that you cannot forgive others' faults (Matthew 18:18). God does not hear the prayers of those who do not forgive others.