The Fig Tree

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

My first reaction to this passage was perhaps Jesus was a little harsh toward the fig tree. After all, maybe it would produce figs at another time. Upon further reflection and consideration of the context of the passage, I began to realize He was taking the opportunity to turn this into an object lesson.

This morning, for our conference worship time, we considered and discussed the parable of the condemned fig tree, found in Mark 11:12–14, which reads as follows: “The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 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. Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And his disciples heard him say it” (NIV).

Jesus continues His journey to the temple, and His first act is to drive out those who were carrying on business within the confines of the temple. He states this was to be a place of prayer, not profit.

The Jewish people held the temple in great esteem. It was a place of national pride. However, God intended it be a place of prayer; a place where holiness was sought; a place where His character could be seen in its worshippers.

Just like the fig tree that advertised it was full of fruit by the abundance of leaves, so the temple, by its beautiful façade, was promoting itself as a place of prayer where God could be found. As the fig tree was devoid of fruit, so, too, was the temple devoid of His presence by the actions of those found there.

As the fig tree was devoid of fruit, so, too, was the temple devoid of His presence by the actions of those found there.

This parable has caused me to reflect deeply on its meaning as a church and personally as a Christian. By calling ourselves Christian, we as a church are advertising we are carrying out the will of Jesus in our everyday lives. This means we will be found doing the things Jesus asks us to do. In addition to being a place of prayer, this includes our acts of service, such as visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, etc.

This parable extends beyond the things we do to the way we relate to each other. We are asked to be kind to each other, show love toward each other, and live our Christianity seven days a week, not restrict it only to times when we come together for church functions.

Many years ago, while a student at Andrews University, I took a job with a local manufacturing business. I discovered one of the foremen was a deacon at the local church I recently attended. I had observed him the previous week carrying out his duties. He was well-dressed and carried himself with a demeanour appropriate for the occasion. During my time working for this company, I was disappointed to find he behaved like a very different person. He shouted at and belittled employees and used foul language with reckless abandon. I remember this incident when I reflect upon this passage about the barren fig tree.

This passage demands of me that I must be a Christian in all my dealings with others. It means my Christianity must extend to seven days a week. It means I am expected to represent Jesus in the workplace and at the board meeting. It means I must show compassion and kindness to those less fortunate. It means I must give of my time and resources to lessen the burdens of others. As I spend time with Jesus, may I be transformed into all He wants me to be. I hope this will be your experience, as well.

By Gary Hodder | President Alberta Conference