David Bahn – Reflections

I’m not certain I always keep in mind that it is an honor and privilege of serving Christ and bearing fruit. It’s much easier(!) to think of it as a responsibility and a burden. But consider this encounter between Jesus and the fig tree:

Matthew 21:18-22

In the morning, as he was returning to the city, Jesus became hungry. ¹⁹ And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.

²⁰When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” ²¹And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. ²²And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

The curse of the fig tree is more than a show of Jesus’ authority and power – though it is that. It is more than a commentary about God’s desire for true fruitfulness rather than showy leafiness – though it is that as well. The curse and withering of the fig tree is a reminder that we produce fruit at the pleasure of God. We have no inalienable right to bear fruit, or even to serve Christ. That is our great privilege and testimony to God’s grace. Should he be displeased with us, we would wither and die as well – barren of God-glorifying fruit.

Thank God he is gracious and merciful! Jesus has promised that if we abide in him and his word abides in us, we will bear much fruit. Apart from him we can do nothing. But when we abide in him we bear fruit that lasts, fruit that honors him, fruit that testifies to his work in us. (cf. John 15)

So today if you have the opportunity to spread the grace and love of Christ in some small or large way, do so! And thank God for the privilege of serving Christ and your neighbor.