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Fruit trees, growing along roads and fields have over the centuries provided food for passers-by, on their journeys. Yesterday it was the fig tree and today it is perhaps guava, mango or other fruit trees satisfying the hungry.
I recently read that, “A strange thing about the Eastern fig tree is that the fruit appears before the leaves. Anyone seeing a fig tree having leaves would naturally expect to find fruit on it.”
The story of the fig tree that was cursed by Jesus has been told and referred to over many years. It is a simple story with such profound lessons. In the unfolding of this message, I hope to unlock two lessons (of the many) that stood out to me in the reading of this story. Let us first look at the reference in the Bible:
"The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, 'May no one ever eat fruit from you again.' And his disciples heard him say it." (Mark 11:12-14 NIV)
Jesus was on a journey leaving Bethany. He was human, and naturally became hungry. He had His twelve disciples with Him. They were the ones He was equipping, training and mentoring. This story presents ‘on the move’ equipping and teaching through the medium of observation. The disciples saw and heard what Jesus did and spoke.
Jesus made His way towards the fig tree expecting to find fruit because He saw the leaves from afar. He goes towards it to check if indeed it did have fruit. Unfortunately, this was not the case, the tree did not have fruit. It is also clearly documented that it was not the “season for figs.” How then can anyone expect a fig tree to have fruit if it was not the season for fruit. Seems unfair! One has to ask if this was the ideal scenario for a teaching or lesson Jesus had for His disciples? Surely, He understood the seasons of that time and even in terms of the fig tree. Did Jesus have an expectation of the fig tree having or producing fruit all year round? Is this a picture of a professing disciple, Christian or leader – giving the appearance of being productive, but really, bearing no fruit at all. It is at this point that the following scripture came to mind: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage —with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV)
A pastor or leader needs to see the story not in isolation but examine what is Jesus’ lesson for His disciples. The fig tree may not produce and have fruit all year round. However, it may be that Jesus through Him equipping His disciples, expects of them to be so ready in or out of season. Perhaps for them to bear and produce fruit that will impact those that God will bring their way going forward? The question we need to ask today is, are we as disciples ready in and out of season to attend to any questions, challenges and scenario we may be faced with?
Jesus ends scene one of our story, by addressing the fig tree, “may no-one ever eat fruit from you again.” The Bible is clear to detail that the disciples heard Jesus clearly. It is important for us as leaders to ensure that those we equip and disciple, hear our words clearly and observe what we want them to learn from the example we set for them.
Space is against me, perhaps the second lesson I alluded to may be for another time. However, please allow me to detail a few simple points or lessons: -
POINTERS FOR DISCIPLES TODAY
* Be ready in season and out of season.
* Be on your guard.
* Be expectant.
* Have faith and believe in Jesus.
* Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you the Word of God.
Perhaps it’s the time or season for us to note a new lesson.
May I leave with this encouragement, be expectant of the Holy Spirit highlighting a word/s for your season. As you learn that, God will bring someone your way to share that message. May you truly be productive and fruitful always and advance His Kingdom where you live and beyond, today!
Please join us on Saturday for the conclusion of "Cursing the Fig Revisited". God Bless you all!
Ronnie Naidoo
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