“No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain on the vine” (John 15:4).
The only specific tree type mentioned in Scripture that we know for sure was in the garden of Eden, was the fig tree, (unless tree of life and knowledge of good and evil are actual varieties of plants). And throughout the Scriptures, that variety of plant, the fig, becomes a symbol of prosperity, wellbeing, humility and security. We see Adam and Eve, humbled, using fig leafs to cover their shame. It's thought that sitting under your own fig tree is a sign of blessing and security. Often the scriptures tells histories about times of fruitlessness and barren figs. It’s almost as if the fig was something of a barometer for the health of the nation of Israel and its people– the fruits taken away as punishment, and flourishing in times of restoration.
The fig tree is used by Jesus as a metaphor of how we should recognize the signs of the times for the nation and the individual. In fact Jesus' Spirit labors in each of his followers to produce godly fruit. Trees were the only things mentioned in the Bible as pleasing to the eye in the Genesis creation account. The quality of the trees structure and it's fruits are of concern and a source of pleasure for God. Let's face it, God is a gardener, a master gardener.
In those biblical days, trees were symbolic of living a godly life. I guess that means today we should live like a tree.
I've got a beautiful thriving fig tree that is now just three years since planting. Each year it has produced some fruit. This year it's prolific and I'm excited about the yield to come. However it's not tall and large enough yet for me to grab a chair and sit under it. One day though I know the Lord will prosper that tree and make it bigger, better and more beautiful. And I know it's by none of my own doing that it finds it's life, strength, and fruitfulness. I know all good things come from heaven above. Any wisdom I have, both my green thumbs, comes from heaven above. I know that “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain on the vine” (John 15:4). The lesson of the fig tree is Jesus wants us to live our lives for God. He wants us to ensure we stay deeply rooted in humility and in His Word, in His Presence in all that we do.
Stubborn hearts are filled with pride. Attempting to grow apart from the vine. The Master Gardener is merciful and willing to forgive. He is patient, full of grace, but you're given this one life to grow and bear fruit for his kingdom.
The story of the fig is a blessing and a warning. Jesus cursed the fig tree because it had the appearance of fruitfulness, but it was deceptive. It didn’t produce fruit. This falseness is the essence of religious hypocrisy. Jesus often challenged the religious people to be about making disciples. And he warned them often to return to this first love. God is patient, but His patience will run out. You don't want to be on the receiving end of His ax. It’s better to repent now and turn from your sins and start growing closer to Christ and his mission. Begin living fully for Christ now church, before His patience runs out. Humble yourself before God humbles you. Christ doesn't want his bride to become whitewashed tombs. He told the fig parable the day after he overturned the tables of the money changers in the temple. He overturned those tables because his people had turned his father's house of prayer into a BUSINESS. It's not often, in scripture, that we see a stormy, angry Jesus. But that day in the temple we see what really matters to Christ. Jesus doesn’t tolerate false appearances, and prideful, greedy, humanist self-centered abuses to his kingdom missions. You don't want to be on the wrong end of Jesus' whip.
When Jesus returns he will destroy the wicked. All of the sinful will be frightened, troubled, and destroyed by his brightness. It's not going to be beautiful for many. He'll prune off the fruitless branches and uproot the sinful trees. All the world will see him coming, they'll hear him. And his light will burn through the communities, cleansing and refining.
The key to understanding this valuable lesson is learning to abide in Christ.
Read:
John 15:1-11
Proverbs 3:34
The Lord mocks the mockers, but is gracious to the humble.
Proverbs 29:23
A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Matthew 23:12 - Jesus said:
Those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Matthew 18:4
Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.