7/24/10- Mark 11:12-14, 19,20 The Need for Fruit

12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it....
19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city.

20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"

Thoughts: In a similar passage about the vine (Jn. 15:5,6):5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."  Christ was concerned that we not just exist as Christians, but be fruitful for Him.  He was going to the temple where the people were not bearing fruit for Him, and within a generation the whole of the land would be in ruin (70 AD) from a war with Rome.  It is important to bear fruit- and we do that by remaining in Him- staying close to Him.

Prayer: Give me grace, O Lord, to abide in you, bearing fruit for you.