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One of the more odd stories in the Bible, why is Jesus mad at a tree? The reason is that the fig represents religion. Relgion is what happens when we ‘perform’ for God rather than connecting with him. The fig tree, full of leaves but lacking fruit, symbolizes a life that appears vibrant outwardly but is barren spiritually. Jesus desires authenticity and fruitfulness in our faith, not just the appearance of it. His actions remind us that true faith is evidenced by the fruit it bears. The most important fruit is a changed life.  


MARK 11:12–25

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.

15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'"

18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. 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!"

22 "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. 23 "Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."



Are there areas in your life where you're displaying leaves without fruit? How can you let go of performing for God and genuinely follow his voice?



Jesus, I don’t want to live an inauthentic life. I don’t want to pretend. I don’t want to act like I have it all together. Help me be honest with you and with the people around me. Search my heart, examine my life. Allow me to live with a deep connection to you.