Mark 11:12-26

Every time we look at the cursing of the fig tree we get a little uneasy. It makes Jesus look harsh or petty because it wasn't the season for figs and yet he curses the fig tree. We prefer a mamby, pamby Jesus not a passionate one. The fig tree incident must be taken in the context of the clearing of the temple and Israel's rejection of the Lord. The cursing of the fig is enacted parable. A fruitless tree, fruitless temple worship, and a fruitless nation will all end up being cursed. We might put it this way, "that which is fruitless is always under a curse". The withering of the tree, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of temple worship are all outward indications of an already existing barrenness even if it appears to be healthy and vibrant.  Barrenness does not manifest itself immediately. Sometimes the Lord postpones, in His Mercy,  He delays judgment. But barrenness always brings judgment; when it comes it is often swift and complete.

The religious elite who profited by the shallow, barren faith were afraid of Jesus. The hostility of the elite and the crowds in Jerusalem were such a threat to His life that Jesus spent the night in Bethany. The religious elites were unbothered by fruitlessness or even a conspiracy to commit murder. But honest preaching bothered them.  Often it bothers us too! We must not expect anything less for a fruitless Church. Churches can be fruitless for a number of reasons.  Like the religious elite of Jesus day it is often about power and control.  We see this is the phenomenon of “clergy killers”.  Those who attack church leaders when the fear they are losing control.  In churches where you find clergy killers you will find fruitlessness. When a church allows a clergy killer to have its way you will find barren fruitlessness and eventually judgment.

The next morning Jesus links faith, fulfillment of prayer and forgiveness into one teaching. Prayers that come from a fruitless person are ineffective. Not because the issue of doubt acts as a retardant, but because doubt indicates a heart issue.  Unbelief questions challenge the nature and the character of God.  But how do we know if we have that kind of doubt or unbelief?  Our willingness to forgive is the best indicator of our heart and faith.  Don’t prayer for God to do great things, or even little things, if there is un-forgiveness in the heart. To question the power and the character of God is the most grievous of moral failures. The person that is completely given over to God has confidence in His holiness and His goodness. And that is expressed in forgiveness of others.