He Found Nothing But Leaves – Mark 11:13.

Bible commentators have always had great difficulty in interpreting this passage. Several perplexing questions rise. Was it not unreasonable for Christ to expect fruit from the fig tree out of season? Was it not contrary to the character of Jesus to blast a tree that had disappointed Him when He was hungry? Was it not unusual for Christ to use His power in a destructive manner when all of His miracles were beneficial in nature? The answers to these questions are not easy to find.

However, most Bible scholars are convinced that this was an enacted parable, predicting the forthcoming judgment on the nation of Israel. God had placed His chosen people in an advantageous position among the nations of the world; He had bestowed upon them special privileges and opportunities; He had prepared them for the coming of the Messiah. However, when the Son of God visited His people, he found them making great professions of holiness and boasting of their superior goodness; but beneath all the pretense and hypocrisy He could find no fruit of righteousness. In tact He was about to be rejected by the very people who had been prepared for His coming. Thus He caused the fig tree to wither as a prophecy of the impending judgment of God upon the unfaithful, fruitless nation.

This parable was fulfilled in the experience of Israel. But is there not a message here for our nation today? God has blessed our land with tremendous natural resources and with a great spiritual heritage. He has permitted us to enjoy wealth, power, and position. We have boasted of religious freedom equality, and justice for all. On our coins we have engraved the words, “In God we trust.” But have our deeds always corresponded with our words? Are we even now producing fruits of righteousness proportionate to our superior spiritual advantages? Do we really trust in God? If not, God’s judgment will fall upon our nation just as surely as it did on Israel. We’d better wake up before it is too late.

Thought for the day: Privilege always entails responsibility.

J. T. Seamands