Slideshow image

18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

 

At first reading, this seems so out of character for Jesus. He had shown his temper in clearing the money changers from the Temple (v 12-13). Here is a poor fig tree with no fruit being condemned. But there is much more to this.

 

This fig tree apparently had abundant leaves which were surely a sign that it was already bearing fruit. Today we would call that false advertising. Jesus is calling out this tree as a way of calling out those who outwardly show their faith and righteousness yet have no depth. The priests, elders and Pharisees are the leaders of the Jewish faith and instruct the people on how to live a godly life. They don’t necessarily follow their own words. Jesus tells the people to listen to their words and do as instructed but not to do what they do (Matthew 23 v.2).

 

We may try to put on the outward appearances of our faith; we must also bear the fruit of it. When I was young, going to church was a time to dress up in our “Sunday best” or as some say our “go to meeting” clothes. Men in suits and ties, women in dresses and hats. Not long ago, I found a picture of my brother Geoff and I dressed for church - suits, ties and fedoras! In those days, our appearance was the outward sign of our faith. Today, our outward appearance may not set us apart. Carrying that faith into our daily lives is the challenge. Leading a Christian life is more than appearances. It is what is in our hearts that truly define us.

 

Dear Lord, help us to grow in our faith and bear good fruit. Let us concentrate on showing our true selves in all that we do. Help us to share our faith and do the things you send us to do. Amen

 

Barry Dougherty

barryd72@aol.com

 

Prayer Concern - For students and teachers returning to school that the year will be filled with learning and growing.

 

Additional readings - Leviticus 16:1-5, 20-28 and Psalm 119:65-72