Gospel Reflections #30: Good News for the Fruitless Fig Tree

Mark 11:21 'Look, Teacher. The fig tree, which thou hast cursed, is withered."

Although this seems to be a rather scary picture of Jesus, the cursing of the fruitless fig tree was a parable of judgment against the barrenness and hypocrisy of the religious system.

Because Israel had failed to fulfill its purpose of representing God to the nations, God compared them to a withered fig tree.

Another parable of the fruitless fig tree is found in Luke 13:6-9. When the owner of the fig tree wanted the fruitless fig tree cut down, the superintendent said, "Please leave it as it is a little longer. I will take care of it."

He said, "Please leave it as it is a little while longer."

When we do not bear fruit, Jesus takes care of it. He does everything with care and patience to make us bear fruit.

Jesus is not a cutter or a curmudgeon.

Jesus does not give up on us or give in until the end. He pours out love, gives us the fertilizer of forgiveness and mercy, and always provides healing and encouragement.

We do not work hard to produce fruit. Jesus takes care of us and produces the fruit in us through the Holy Spirit.

We just receive from Jesus what we need and are full of love, that's all!

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This Gospel Reflections page is written by Masae San, a devoted student of the Bible who passionately embraces the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She shares her daily reflections on the Gospels as a way to reach out to others and spread the message of Jesus. We're sharing her message here so that you too can experience the joy that comes from the Gospel that fills her heart