Matthew 21:18-19 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. (19) And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away."
We continue our thoughts concerning the last week of Jesus' humanity on this
earth. His first day was a combination of highs and lows. The people
cried out, "Hosannah!! Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the
Lord." Then we see "... The chief priests and scribes saw the
wonderful things that he did... and were sore displeased." (Matthew 21:15)
He left Jerusalem, went to Bethany, and then came back the next morning.
He observed a fig tree as He returned to the city. It was the season when figs
should have been on the tree. He went to get some but there were no figs to be
found. The tree gave the appearance of being fully productive, but was empty.
What can we learn from this? We have been given life in Christ Jesus in
order that we would bring forth spiritual fruit to His glory. We are not fulfilling
our purpose of being fruitful in the kingdom of God, if, in reality we are
fruitless. God help us to use the gifts given to us for His honor and
glory.