It ain’t what it looks like
Have you ever heard the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree? Even if you haven’t, I can guarantee you have felt a similar way as Jesus at some point in your life. The basic premise is that Jesus thought something looked good from far off, but when he got to it…it just wasn’t what it looked like.
Here’s a quick scripture reference:
Mark 11: 12-14, 20-21
12 The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. 14 Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it. …
20 The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”– NLT
So, if you are like me, you probably initially thought “Dang Jesus! How you just gonna kill the fig tree like that!?” I mean, it seems kinda harsh, right? But I think we can all relate to Jesus’s feelings in that moment–disappointment, confusion, maybe even a little frustration. I mean, the tree was FULL of leaves so even though it may not have been the exact season for fruit, for some reason, this tree looked like it should be full of fruit. Unfortunately it wasn’t. The worst part about this whole thing is, Jesus has had the same feelings for many of us at times.
We just aren’t what we portray ourselves to be.
We all know the phrase “puttin’ on airs”, right? (Basically acting like something you’re not, but that may be too southern for some of ya’ll). This tree was “putting on airs” just like you and I do. (Yes, I know you have done it!). Like this cursed, and now dead fig tree, we have showed up in church with our chest puffed out because we made it on time, came to Bible study this week, and maybe even spent some one-on-one time with Jesus. We make sure to offer prayers for all of our friends and family, and we may even make generous financial contributions to our church or those in need. But is everything we are doing just leaves…or are we producing fruit? Are the things we are doing in the name of God really about God, or is it to “earn” a blessing or to “appear” very Christian-like? Are we practicing truly selfless living, or selfishly selecting bits and pieces of scripture to live by?
So what are the fruits Jesus is looking for?
Good deeds.
Obedience.
Witnessing.
Love.
The list could go on.
The point is really, that Jesus has an expectation of us. Living a Christ-like life is not a self-centered act which we do for our own glory. We are actually expected to produce something in the relationship; not just to do for the sake of doing or for the appearance of being a Christian. He expects for us to live in a way that is not just holding out looking for blessings, but produces fruit for the health and nourishing of his kingdom. So think about it a little bit, what have you done lately to produce fruit? What have you done to build up the kingdom of God? What have you done to show another lost soul the way? Who have you witnessed to lately? Or, is all your shouting and praising simply about getting your own breakthrough or blessing? I’ve asked myself these same questions, and honestly, the answer lets me know, I have some growing and budding to do.
Don’t live a life full of just leaves that make you look good, but be fruitful and produce something to the delight of the Lord.
10 Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. – Colossians 1:10 (NLT)