The Barren Fig Tree

Christ’s rebuke of the fig tree illustrated the spiritual barrenness of Israel’s religious leaders. From a distance they looked upright and sound, but a close inspection of their heart and life revealed that-- like the fig tree --judgment was imminent because they bore no fruit in keeping with spiritual life. Spiritual fruit is more than just knowledge and religious practice. The evidence of life is faith that believes God’s Word and submits to it, embraces the work and the authority of Christ, and leans dependently upon God in prayer.