Read

Mark 11:13-14, 20-21 “Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves... Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’... In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.”

Think

It’s one of Jesus’ most confusing moments. He sees a leafy fig tree from afar—full of promise—but when he gets closer, there’s no fruit. Just leaves. So, he curses it.

At first glance, it feels harsh. Petty, even. Why would Jesus curse a tree?

But this wasn’t about produce—it was about people. In the Bible, fig trees often symbolize Israel. Outwardly, things looked good: the temple was active, traditions were intact, the leaders seemed devout. But inwardly? No fruit. Just a polished exterior covering up a hollow interior.

Sound familiar?

It’s possible to look the part and still be spiritually dry. To post verses on Instagram, attend church, lead a group, and still feel distant from God. Leaves without fruit. Religion without relationship.

Jesus wasn’t angry at the tree—he was warning his disciples. The next place he went was the temple, where people were going through the motions. Activity was everywhere, but intimacy was missing. And Jesus, who sees beneath the surface, was calling it out.

Why? Because fruit matters. Not perfection—but real, growing evidence of God’s presence in our lives. Love that’s patient. Joy that’s enduring. Peace that shows up in the hard places. Faith that changes how we live.

And here’s the good news: Jesus isn’t out to curse you. He’s out to transform you. The fig tree couldn’t change, but you can. Through the Spirit, we bear fruit—not by trying harder, but by staying connected to him. As Jesus would say just a few verses later in John 15, “Abide in me.”

If you feel like your faith is dry, don’t fake it. Don’t hide behind leafy distractions. Be honest. Ask Jesus to renew your heart, to break through routine with real relationship. The goal isn’t to perform—it’s to produce. And he’s ready to help you grow again.

Apply

Check your fruit. Pick one area of your life—relationships, work, emotions—and ask: “Is this producing the kind of fruit Jesus talks about in Galatians 5?” If not, spend time reconnecting with him, not just refining your image.

Pray

Lord, I don’t want to just look the part—I want a life that reflects you from the inside out. Show me where I’ve been pretending. Teach me to abide in you, to walk closely with you, and to bear fruit that lasts. Change me from the roots. In Jesus’ name. Amen.