2023

 Before we move on to other studies and we are coming to Christmas, I want to make a few more comments on some of the miracles Jesus performed with some other thoughts that came to mind as I was going back and rereading the studies along with the comments. We read in Mark 11 and Matthew 21 when Jesus cursed the fig tree and the next day it withered. Cindy had posted "The comparison could also be about the tree not bearing fruit and us not bearing fruit.”  As I read that I thought, oh my, that would make all the sense in the world. When we look at today’s society, everyone is scrutinized with a fine-tooth comb. Most times we only see people from a distance and can be misled about who they really are when you get up close to them. Think of all the social media influencers/actors/musicians, etc.., who act out a certain life to those who cannot see them up close and real. Then look at us Christians who claim to follow God. We can really put on an outer performance for everyone to see, but our inner selves can be full of everything ungodly.  When Jesus saw the fig tree from afar with the way it had bloomed out in leaves, it sure would have seemed it would have had fruit, then when he gets to it there is none. You could see the frustration he would have had, especially since the scriptures said he was hungry. We do know how the story goes with Jesus giving the disciples a lesson on faith, but I also believe we will see in these next few verses I share will go along with this.

John 15:1-8

(I       (1) I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2) Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (3) Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. (4) Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. (5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (6) If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (8) Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.

Jesus is being very clear about being fruitful and what happens when we are not. We cannot do it on our own accord, but by allowing God to be the vine we branch from and produce fruit.

Jeremiah 17:8  For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

Psalm 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

Producing fruit is the works of our faith. We cannot produce any fruit if we do not have faith in our God. As if having faith with no fruit is dead.

James 2:20   But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 2:26  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

So going back to being a beautiful fruitful looking tree from a distance, the Bible is very clear about those who deceive. That fig tree deceived Jesus from a distance.

Matthew 24:4-5  And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Matthew 7:15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

Matthew 7:17  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

I wanted to share this as I really pondered it and thought how often have, I been that way. Looking all great and "holy” on the outside while on the inside I was full of everything "unholy”. I do believe we need to make sure we are grounded and planted in faith in Jesus to make sure we do not become as a fruitless fig tree. Many may come to us looking to eat but find out we have no fruit to give them. Of course I am meaning many will come to us looking for anything they might help them in their faith with God, and what kind of fruit will we give them. John 15:8 says when we bear much fruit, we are His disciples. We can tie that to the original study when Jesus says we would be able to move mountains.