Fruitless Faith? | Mark 11:12–14


It’s the next day, “in the morning” (Mt 21:18), perhaps before six.  It may be that Jesus and the disciples camped the previous night near Bethany rather than staying with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.  As a result, they didn’t have breakfast, but something seemed promising: a fig tree in full leaf, out of season.  However, its disappointing state becomes a picture of the fruitless faith in Jerusalem.

Notice the promise of life.  A fig tree in full leaf meant either that it had produced small, edible buds or even some early fruit.  Mark notes that it wasn’t fig season, so this tree advertises a unique snack for hungry travelers.  However, the promise was false; the tree’s lack of fruit while being in full leaf meant it wouldn’t bear fruit that year.  This served as a picture of the state of the Holy City—full of spiritual activity, but the heart of the people was far from God (Mt 15:7–9).

Notice the curse of death.  As Jesus wept over Jerusalem the previous day, the fruit of their spiritual efforts will now be kept from them (Lk 19:41–44).  This is the judgment of God on Israel—“a spirit of stupor, eyes to see not and ears to hear not… a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in” (Rm 11:8, 25).

This judgment comes on all who reject Him (cf. Rm 1:18–32).  Those afraid of this rejection, though, can know that God has not given them over in judgment; those who don’t care are the ones with His judgment.  Seek the Lord while He may be found, asking that He make His Word fruitful in your life.

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