The Pilgrim Path---Mark 11: 12 – 14

On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he (Jesus) was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

“LEAVES”

The LORD Jesus is the Master Teacher. Here in Mark chapter 11, He makes a lasting lesson of a fig tree. The “teaching time” will build---because he goes to Jerusalem afterwards and drives the moneychangers out of the Temple. The “religion” of the day---was mostly for show (leaves). But serious fruit was lacking. You and I must reflect upon this passage. One of our ministers preached on this text at Presbytery this past Saturday (The Rev. Dr. Douglas Perkins). He said, “LORD, help us not to be so impressed with our leaves.” That is a powerful and necessary exhortation…

Many of Jesus’ hearers had:

---passion for the outward---with little concern for the heart

---passion for the outward majesty of the Temple with little concern for the effects of unconfessed sin

---passion for a religious sect---but what about genuine devotion to the Triune God?

---passion for Judaism---but no room for the Gentiles (their courts were filled with business)

Here is our opportunity to reveal some fruit. Where the Holy Spirit is “working” you observe indications like these of HIS endeavors:

---Will I love my enemies?

---Will I love Jesus and HIS Kingdom more than this World?

---Will I give for Jesus’ work---even sacrificially?

---Will I honor Christ---even if I do not receive any honor in this world?

---Will I forgive as God for Christ’s sake---has forgiven me?

“LORD, help us not to be so impressed with our leaves.” Dr. Douglas Perkins

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15: 5

“…and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you” I Thessalonians 3: 12

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason