When we look more closely at the so called “Triumphal Entry” of Jesus into Jerusalem to assume His God ordained role as their King and Savior, we see it wasn’t all that triumphant. There was a lot of show, but no true acceptance of Him as their King. On his way into the city again on the second day Jesus cursed a fig tree for its lack of fruit. If you look at the surrounding passages, you see that Christ was using the barren fig tree to teach His disciples something they desperately needed to know. This might be called a living parable.

Jesus knew how shallow their acceptance was. (by the way, He still recognizes shallow acceptance today.) The fig tree was an object lesson on barrenness which always results from shallow acceptance and empty worship. The Nation had been called to bear fruit of “righteousness” in their own lives and to be a shining example of righteousness to the peoples around them. But instead, they used their positions for personal profit. Thus, Jesus drove out the sellers and money changers from the temple area. He then cursed the fig tree, a symbol of the nation, for its fruitlessness.

What is fruit in the Christian life? According to the scriptures there are several different kinds of fruit. First, it’s Character; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. Second, fruit is right conduct, doing the right things and avoiding the wrong things are often referred to as fruit. Third, those who come to Christ through our witness is often referred to as fruit in the Bible. Fourth, we may also bear fruit with our lips by giving praise to God and thankfully confessing His name. Fifth, we bear fruit when we give money. In summary fruit includes; (1) a Christlike character, (2) a life characterized by good works, (3) a faithful witness, (4) a pair of lips that praise God, and (5) a generous giving of one’s money.

Chuck

“Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” John 15:2