Looks can be Deceiving




Scripture:

 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see whether perhaps he would find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
(Mark 11:12–14 NRSV)

Observation:

This story is placed here, not so much to speak about Jesus’ own hunger, but for the disciples to hear what he has to say. From far away Jesus could see leaves on the fig tree. This should have meant that the tree was already in the process of developing figs, even if they weren’t yet ripe. The problem was that while the tree looked good from a distance, on close inspection, it was not going to bear any fruit. This fig tree was symbolic of the religious leaders who looked good from a distance, but would not bear fruit. As he entered Jerusalem, Jesus was rejecting the Jewish leaders for they would soon lose their position of authority by condemning him to death.

Application:

This is a serious warning to Christians and the church. We can look fabulous from a distance, beautiful and lush. Our programs can be the best around and our administration and structure running like a top-notch business. However, if there is no sign of fruit bearing, then we are in serious trouble. 

Everything that we do ought to point toward the health of the organism and its ability to bear fruit. If we are looking good, it ought to be because there will be a healthy harvest. If we have good systems it ought to be so that we can bear fruit. If we have excellent programs they ought to be bringing in the harvest. 

The fig tree’s resources all went to sustaining itself and looking beautiful. Without fruit it was doomed to die. If all the resources of Christianity go toward self preservation, we will die. 

Looks are very deceiving. Jesus wasn’t needing the food, but he did need the disciples to hear what he had to say. 

Prayer:

Lord, help us to resource all that we have toward bearing your fruit. Amen. 

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