TEACHABLE MOMENTS—WHERE'S THE FRUIT?
- Key Verse
Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, "No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you." And at once the fig tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19)
READ TODAY'S PASSAGE-
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Central Truth
Faith that produces lots of "show" and no fruit is worthless and a reflection of hypocrisy.
Reflections
I love the way Jesus uses relevant experiences in life's journeys as an example to the disciples of the truth He has taught them. Jesus is modeling Deuteronomy 6:6-7: "These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
Jesus uses the barren fig tree as an example of how "fruitless" our Christianity is (religiosity) if it bears no fruit. One of the issues God has exposed and transformed in me is that of being a "performer." I am drawn to do and say the right things so that others will see how faithful I am. My acts of performance are rooted in pride much as the leaves on the fruitless fig tree. One of the passages God used to expose me is Psalm 51:16-17: "For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; A broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise."
I am reminded of the ways God desires that my faith translate into His fruit of love in 1 John 3:17-18: "But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth."
Following Christ results in a continual transformation that bears the "fruit" of His Spirit. I’m praying my roots will grow deep into His soil, resulting in abundant, juicy, plump figs!
Discussion Questions
1. What evidence of fruit do you see emanating from your walk with Christ? Read Galatians 5:22-23.
2. Who are you trying to please? God or men? Read Galatians 1:10.
3. In what ways does your faith translate into works? Read James 2:14-18.
FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. An “authority” is someone in charge. This person often makes the rules or makes sure the rules are obeyed. Who do you think gave Jesus His authority?
2. Who is in authority over you?
3. How do you respond to people in authority?
Cary Pierce
March 19, 2010 06:16 AM
Thanks for your transparency and encouragement, Kyle! Great stuff this morning!
Clint
March 19, 2010 06:40 AM
Kyle, Thanks for this insight and your thoughts on today's Journey. I've always been encouraged by how you "get to it" and look past the tree to the fruit. Want you to know how much fruit you've produced in men like me - the way we think, and the things we do, how we're trying to love our wives and our children - all of these things you've helped become more what God would have them be rather than what the world wants to see. Appreciate you so much.
Brett
March 19, 2010 08:09 AM
Kyle, Love waking up and seeing you in the Journey this morn. You are a great example of one with plenty of fat figs in your life. Love getting to walk, run, cry, and laugh through life with you. Love you friend.
Jay Burns
March 19, 2010 10:08 AM
Kyle...thanks for the other scripture refs to support your points...you all have taught me the power of the Word and how there is no situation in life that God's word doesn't address...I agree with Brett...BIG JUICY FIGS brother...BIG JUICY FIGs on your tree...
Blake
March 19, 2010 10:24 AM
Kyle, great Journey. You are such an incredible man of God and I am so thankful for how the Lord brought you and your sweet wife into our lives. We have learned wisdom that we will take with us always. I'm continually encouraged by the way your life is yielded to the Lord.
Scott Coy
March 19, 2010 10:51 AM
What He desires is what I see in my friend! Grateful for you, your faithfulness, your fruit, and your friendship. Thanks for your constant encouragement that I get daily and the privilege of running "it" with you.
Sue Bohlin
March 19, 2010 11:18 AM
Kyle, you're one of the juiciest Christ-followers I know! Thank you again for the deeply nurturing words of affirmation you gave Ray and me in Burundi. What a treasure to share that experience with you!
Susan Coy
March 20, 2010 05:05 PM
Kyle, lots of fruit in your life and I am grateful to be around you to be the beneficiary of what God has done and is doing in your life!