THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:12-19
“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:14)
Jesus is not being ornery just because He is hungry.
Mark ties this story with what happens in the temple to show what Jesus is doing.
A barren fig tree was a powerful symbol for the Jews, a sign of God’s judgment.
“I will ruin her vines and her fig trees…” (Hosea 2:11-13).
Jesus’ uses the fig tree to teach that God holds us accountable for our barren lives.
God created us for love and good works, but so many humans produce bad fruit.
Good fruit is always in season for us, and yet we produce hate, greed, lust, cruelty.
We twist and pervert our world, even our religious activities, for selfish purposes.
Like the religious leaders turning the temple into a ‘den of robbers’.
God is patient for a time, but one day He will hold people accountable.
What strikes me here is that it is the religious people God is most angry with.
What does this say about Christians and churches today?
As Jesus followers, we are not just receivers of salvation, but of the Spirit.
And the fruit of that Spirit in us is love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You desire love and good works from us. That is why You have put me here in this time and place. Help me to see this as my full-time calling.
Good fruit.
Fruit trees were created to bear fruit. So was I. As a Christian I must bear fruit and be productive while being nourished by His Word. Always, always I must be fruitful. Fruit to nourish and share.
The money changers in the temple took advantage of the worshipers. That certainly wasn’t love at work. God demands a pure heart. All for Jesus. Serve Him only. Love God. Love neighbour..
Help me Lord to be fruitful and pure and right and effective in serving you in all I do.
Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step with the spirit!
The fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness. The fruit of the spirit is faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step, keep in step with the spirit. Since we live by the spirit, let us keep in step, keep in step with the spirit. (repeat)