Two Trees
The parable of the fig tree that Jesus cursed in the books of Matthew and Mark is a parable that many in the Body of Christ are familiar with. Over the years there have been many interpretations and revelations from scholars that have come forth. One of the most common thoughts is that of the manifestation of the spoken word of faith.
In Matthew 21:17-22, as Jesus approached the fig tree, he hungered for fruit, but found nothing but leaves. Fig trees normally have two crops, one in the spring that produces inferior fruit, and the main crop in the fall. The leaves may be an indication that when Jesus approached the tree, he should have found something due to the season. Were the leaves a deception, which caused Jesus to curse the tree? Remember in Mark 11:13, Jesus saw the fig tree afar off. In other words, the tree appeared to be something and to have something that it did not really possess upon close inspection. How many fig trees of this type are in the Body of Christ?
A quick note about the evidence of the cursing of the fig tree, Believers usually focus on the authority of the spoken word of Jesus and its result. We think that we have the same authority. The fact is that we do. But there is a cleansing process that we fail to go through before we can operate in the faith that Jesus exhibited on that day. Mark 11:20-26 gives us the formula that we must work out for one to operate in the fullness of that kind of extraordinary faith. It involves matters of the heart. God cannot allow us that type of power with our mouths when the heart is not right. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:34-35).
The book of Luke gives a parable of another type of fig tree in chapter 13:6-9, in which the owner has come seeking fruit for three years and is at the point of cutting it down because it is barren. But there is a vinedresser who intercedes for the tree. This vinedresser has been recruited to manage the vineyard and to make sure that the trees that have been planted bear fruit. The owner has come seeking fruit from the tree on more than one occasion. He knows that the tree is planted in a fertile place and is properly cared for. During the three years that He has had expectations of delicious fruit, he never spoke to the vinedresser about the condition of the tree. As time has passed and the need, the hunger has increased, the owner is questioning the worth of the tree. There was no need for anyone to intercede until now. The vinedresser said unto the owner, “Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well; and it not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.” (Luke 13: 8-9).
In one instance, Jesus himself, who is telling the parable, is the vinedresser. He is making intercession to the Father on our behalf. (Hebrews 7:25). But He also is the owner of the vineyard who has recruited Pastors to cultivate the field. They are constantly interceding on your behalf for time to prepare you for the work that you are called to do.
Research notes that fig trees are greedy and the roots will grow wildly if the soil is rich. The problem with such wild and uncontrollable growth is that they do not produce fruit. That is why the vinedresser is needed for cultivation. Is the ministry that you are sitting in rich with word, revelation, and demonstration? Would your fruit be ripe enough to be picked? Please note that the fruit on fig trees do not ripen if the fruit has been picked prematurely. Has there been such an effect on you so that we see you laden with ripe fruit that is not only pleasing to the eye, but also delicious to the taste? Can Jesus reach out for you as He hungers for a taste?
Jesus is coming back for the fruit that He expects from you. He has come by before. Remember that the seed of righteousness has been planted and you have been watered with the word, and even the vinedresser has helped in your growth to prepare you. The Lord has need of you. This time will you be ready and ripe for His picking to satisfy His hunger or to even be displayed at the market of harvest?
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. (John 15:16 KJV).
You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you,I have planted you, that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting, that it may remain, abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name, as presenting all that I Am, He may give it to you. (AMP).
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. (Hebrews 13:17 KJV).
Be responsive to your pastoral leaders. Listen to their counsel. They are alert to the condition of your lives and work under the strict supervision of God. Contribute to the joy of their leadership, not its drudgery. Why would you want to make things harder for them? (The Message)
©
Copyright December 2005
Becky DeWitt
