2 Important Lessons from Jesus and the Fig Tree

If we are living in our Christian lives and we are not bearing fruit, we are in essence as useless to Jesus as that fig tree without figs. Christ has called us to join in His work (Matthew 28:19-20). We can have a tendency to be lazy and ignore our spiritual lives, but in actuality, our relationship with God should be the very center of everything we do, effecting every area of life.

In John 15, Jesus described Himself as the True Vine and we are the branches. He says that it is only through Him that we can accomplish anything. A branch can only produce fruit because it is attached to the vine. We can only produce spiritual fruit if we are staying connected to the Holy Spirit.

John 15:5-6 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned."

By remaining in Christ, we will bear a lot of fruit. It is only through Him that we can do this. He gives the warning that if you do not remain in Him, you will be thrown out and wither and be thrown into the fire. The word for withers in John 15:6 is exēranthē. This is the same word used in Matthew 21:19-20 for the withering of the fig tree.

I find this no coincidence that just as Israel was withering away in separating themselves from Jesus, that Jesus warns us through John 15 that we too are susceptible to wither away if we are not connected with Him. This call to remain and abide is for every believer. We can ask the Holy Spirit to help us to live for God and bear fruit through Himself each and every day. As we think about the fig tree, may it be a lesson to us to seek Jesus daily and live lives that bear much fruit for Him. 

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Emma Danzey’s mission in life stems from Ephesians 3:20-21, inspiring young women to embrace the extraordinary. One of her greatest joys is to journey with the Lord in His Scriptures. She is wife to Drew for over two years and mom to baby Graham. Drew and Emma serve with Upstate CRU college ministry in South Carolina. Emma is an avid writer for Salem Web Network and provides articles on the Bible, life questions, and on the Christian lifestyle. Her article on Interracial Marriage was the number 1 viewed article on Crosswalk for the year 2021. All the glory to the Lord! She had the joy of hosting Her Many Hats podcast where she explored the many roles that women play while serving One God. Most recently, Emma has released her first Bible Study Book, Wildflower: Blooming Through Singleness.

Emma enjoys singing/songwriting, fitness classes, trying new recipes, home makeover shows, and drinking tea! During her ministry career, Emma recorded two worship EP albums, founded and led Polished Conference Ministries, ran the Refined Magazine, and served in music education for early childhood. Emma also had the privilege of having been a national spokesperson for Mukti Mission based out of India. Mukti has been working to restore shattered lives in India for over 120 years. You can view her articles through her blog at emmadanzey.wordpress.com and check out her Bible Study videos on Instagram @Emmadanzey.