17 Mar Fruitlessness
Read: Mark 11:1-26
Last Sunday Pastor Ken preached from Mark 10:32-52 on the true greatness of selfless service that was modeled by and is empowered by our Lord Jesus. This Sunday we will consider his triumphal entry to Jerusalem and his cursing of the fig tree and temple in Mark 11:1-26. As you prepare your heart for our corporate gathering, let these words from Dr. Akin encourage you and move you to further consider the state of your heart before God.
Heart Preparation
Walking from Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus sees in the distance a fig tree in leaf (v. 13). Though it is not yet “the season for figs” (v. 13), the presence of the leaves would indicate this tree would have fruit on it— if not full figs, at least paggim, small green figs (knops). Though not all that tasty, they were edible and could relieve His hunger. However, the tree bore no fruit. Its leaves promised one thing, but it had not produced. It was a hypocritical fig tree. The outward appearance, said, “Come here! I have fruit that will meet your needs.” However, when you arrive, you realize you have been deceived. It was a show with no substance. Sadly this is what Israel had become, especially the temple and the religious leaders (the Sanhedrin) who oversaw its operation. They gave an outward appearance of great spirituality and devotion to God but proved to be hypocrites. Gentiles were denied the opportunity to come close to God, being restricted to the outer court. The poor were exploited by money changers and merchants. The temple culture had grown big and impressive, but it was all a sham, and Jesus cursed them for it (v. 14).
There was no gospel and no God to be found by those needing salvation. Once a beacon of light, it was now only a faint flicker that was about to be extinguished. If our Lord did that then to “His own people” (John 1:11), what makes us think He would not do it to us today? Professing the fruit of righteousness and devotion to God, could it be we are nothing more than the dry and dying leaves of sterile religion, ritualism, and profession? Charles Spurgeon well said, “The great majority of persons who have any sort of religion at all bear leaves, but they produce no fruit” (“ Nothing but Leaves”).
Jesus arrived at the fig tree to find “nothing but leaves.” Mark informs us that “it was not the season for figs,” but the tree with its leaves said, “Come to me. Others may be barren but not me. I have fruit for you.” Jesus responded, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And “His disciples heard it.” They were there as eyewitnesses. This is no myth or legend conjured up only to make a theological or moral point. There is a point without a doubt. Fruitlessness now may result in
fruitlessness forever. Lose your usefulness for Jesus, and He may curse you and move on! It is not He who needs us, it is we who desperately need Him. We need Him to save us. We need Him to make us useful and fruitful.
Adapted from Christ-Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Mark, by Daniel L. Akin, pp. 251-253.
Song List for Sunday
- Hosanna (Praise Is Rising), Shane and Shane Arrangement
- This I Believe, Shane and Shane Arrangement
- Stronger, by Hillsong Live
- Reign In Us, Shane and Shane Arrangement
- Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone), by Chris Tomlin