“The Servant’s Rebuke”
Mark 11:12-33
And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it. – Mark 11:12-13
“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the root.” [Mk 11:20]
This is the record of the only time in the Gospels that Jesus destroyed anything. His earthly ministry was all about restoration except for this one time.
Now, we must know that there is more to this rebuke than mere figs for our Lord’s consumption. It is an enacted rebuke of Israel.
“On a fig tree the fruit is formed, and then the leaves appear; so one would expect to find satisfying fruit on a tree in full leaf. The fig tree is used here to designate Israel of Jesus’ time, whose religious system and heritage appeared to hold promise of satisfaction. So the curse extended not only to the tree but also to the nation of Israel, an enacted parable, showing the judgment that was to come upon Israel’s false profession. The nation had professed righteousness and had maintained all the external forms of godliness, but while professing faith in God, they rejected the Son of God.” [Spirit-Filled Study Bible]
It is the disorder of the look of religion on the outside but no relationship with God on the inside. And it can be a common disorder for us in the church today.
The key is fruit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” [Gal 5:22-23]
The thing about the fruit of the Spirit is that you know when someone has it, and you know when someone does not. And when you read Galatians 5:22-23 it becomes noticeably clear.
A professing Christian without the fruit of the Spirit is an oxymoron. And thus, after the time of mercy has run its course, they can expect the Servant’s Rebuke.
