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.
