Mark 11:13–14 - No Fruit Here…

“And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.” — ‭‭Mark‬ ‭11:13–14‬ ‭ESV‬‬

If we proclaim to be something, whether a fruit tree in season or a Christian, but don’t produce the corresponding fruit, we are of no use to Jesus. He uses this analogy multiple times and on this occasion He demonstrates the outcome — destruction. Jesus didn’t say ‘that’s fine, no big deal’. He destroyed the tree.

If I think I’m a Christian I need to pay close attention to this. The comfortable, ‘nothing is required of me except maybe warming a seat on Sunday’, version of the Gospel which is common in modern churches ignores this and other similar warnings of Jesus.

It is absolutely correct that we are saved by Grace alone. It is also true that saving Grace is never alone. If we are truly living in it, if we have become a new creation, we will produce it’s visible fruits. That’s why Jesus says He knows the tree by it’s fruit, or lack thereof.

When Jesus looks at my life does He see fruit being produced? Not always. That recognition is not a condemnation. It’s a fantastic opportunity and I am taking it.