Mark 11:12-14, 20-24 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Most of us work hard at taking care of our outward appearances; we represent the Lord so it is right to be clean and neat. However, we are wise if we remember that God looks at the inward motives of our hearts; he is looking deep in our souls for fertile ground and the evidence of budding fruit. He knows if we are ever going to bear the fruit of righteousness outwardly as a testimony of salvation to the world, we are going to need a healthy root system. We need to be rooted in Christ if we are going to bear fruit.
In our lesson today, Jesus sees a fig tree off in the distance and he is hungry, so he goes over to the tree to look for the first fruit of the harvest. You see a fig tree produces some figs before it produces leaves. This fig tree has lots of leaves, but is barren of fruit. The tree looks good on the outside, but will feed no one. Much the same way Christian lives can go through the religious motions, but be absent of producing the fruit of the Spirit that will spiritually feed others.
Our lives, as followers of Christ, are to bring glory to God. We were created to live for God’s glory. Jesus said, “I am the Vine and you are the branches. When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. For apart from me you can do nothing. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:5, 8). When you pray to ask the Spirit to produce much fruit in your life, you are praying by faith for the will of God and it will be given to you.
Mark 11:12-14, 20-24
12 On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He was hungry. 13 Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if He would find anything on it. But He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 He said to it, “No one will ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples were listening [to what He said].
20 In the morning, as they were passing by, the disciples saw that the fig tree had withered away from the roots up. 21 And remembering, Peter said to Him, “Rabbi (Master), look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered!” 22 Jesus replied, “Have faith in God [constantly]. 23 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea!’ and [a]does not doubt in his heart [in God’s unlimited power], but believes that what he says is going to take place, it will be done for him [in accordance with God’s will]. 24 For this reason I am telling you, whatever things you ask for in prayer [in accordance with God’s will], believe [with confident trust] that you have received them, and they will be given to you.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the power to bear fruit as I remain in you. Heavenly Father, may my life bring you glory as I yield to the work of your Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.