Why did Jesus expect fruit from the fig tree in Mark 11:13? Seeing the Fig Tree: Mark 11:13 “Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if He could find any fruit on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.” What Fig Leaves Promised in Early Spring • In Israel, early figs (called paggim or taqsh) form before the first full flush of leaves. • If a tree already shows leaves, it normally has these small, edible buds hidden among them. • So, even though the main fig harvest comes later, leafy branches advertise that at least some early fruit should be there. • Jesus’ hunger and the tree’s leafy display created a natural expectation—He had every right to look for figs. Bigger Than Botany: Israel in Prophetic Focus • Throughout Scripture the fig tree pictures Israel’s covenant life (Jeremiah 8:13; Hosea 9:10; Micah 7:1; Joel 1:7). • Leafy vigor without fruit mirrors Israel’s outward religious activity without the repentance and faith God desired (Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8). • Jesus had just entered Jerusalem as King (Mark 11:1–11) and would cleanse the temple next (11:15-17). – The fig tree episode brackets the temple cleansing (vv. 12-14, 20-21), underscoring a single message: God looks past impressive ritual to seek real fruit. • By cursing the barren tree, Jesus enacted a living parable of coming judgment on fruitless Israel and its temple system (cf. Matthew 23:37-38). Why Jesus Could Rightly Expect Fruit 1. Botanical reason — Leaves signal early figs; the tree advertised what it did not deliver. 2. Moral reason — God’s people had Scripture, worship, and centuries of blessing; spiritual fruit should have been evident (Isaiah 5:1-7). 3. Messianic reason — The King had arrived; covenant fruit was due (Malachi 3:1-3; Matthew 3:8-10). 4. Discipleship reason — The scene taught the Twelve, and us, that profession without production invites judgment (John 15:2, 6; James 2:17). Key Takeaways for Today • God still looks for inward reality, not mere outward show. • Spiritual fruit—repentance, obedience, love, and witness—should naturally follow genuine faith (Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 2:10). • A life full of “leaves” (activities, appearances, talk) yet empty of fruit grieves the Lord who bought us. • Conversely, any believer who abides in Christ bears fruit that lasts (John 15:5, 8). Walking It Out • Examine: Are my “leaves” backed by real obedience? • Abide: Stay close to Christ through the Word and the Spirit (Psalm 1:2-3; John 15:4). • Bear: Seek opportunities for love, service, and witness so that when the Lord “comes looking,” He finds fruit to His glory (Philippians 1:11). |
    |