Are we Bearing Fruit When Jesus Draws Near

Matthew 21:18–19   Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away.

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the city was filled with celebration. The crowds welcomed Him with great joy, laying their cloaks on the road and waving palm branches as they cried, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" Their praise was spontaneous and wholehearted. Yet the Lord did not allow the excitement of the moment to distract Him from His mission. Upon entering the temple, He found it had become a place of commerce instead of worship. In righteous zeal He cleansed the temple, restoring its purpose as God's house of prayer.

Immediately afterwards, Jesus continued His ministry by healing the blind and the lame who came to Him. While many rejoiced at these miracles, the chief priests and scribes were disturbed by the praise that surrounded Him. Those who were considered the most knowledgeable failed to recognise God's work, while the children gladly acknowledged Jesus as the promised Messiah. Their praise flowed naturally from hearts that recognised what God was doing.

The sermon then turned to Jesus' encounter with the fig tree. Seeing it from a distance, the tree appeared healthy and full of life. Yet when Jesus came near, He found only leaves and no fruit. The outward appearance promised much, but there was nothing to satisfy the One who sought fruit.

This picture presents a searching question for every believer. It is possible to appear spiritually healthy while lacking the fruit that Christ desires. From a distance a life may seem attractive, but when people come closer, do they experience kindness, patience, grace and encouragement, or do they encounter harshness, bitterness and self-interest? Christ is not looking merely for a convincing appearance; He is looking for genuine spiritual fruit.

The sermon illustrated this with the image of a beautiful rose. A rose may be attractive and fragrant, but its thorns require careful handling. Likewise, Christians should not be known for wounding those who come near them. Rather, our lives should provide nourishment, comfort and shelter, much like a fruitful tree whose branches offer both shade and sustenance to those in need.

This challenge extends to every area of life. Parents should provide comfort and wisdom to their children. Colleagues, neighbours and fellow believers should find Christlike character when they draw near. Whether at home, at work or within the church, our words and actions should reflect the fruit of the Holy Spirit rather than impatience or resentment.

The sermon also warned against becoming like the religious leaders, whose positions and knowledge blinded them to God's work. While the children rejoiced, the priests became offended. It is possible to become so accustomed to religious activity that we fail to recognise the Lord's presence and even resist what He is doing. True spiritual life produces humility, thankfulness and joyful praise whenever God is at work.

Finally, the congregation was reminded of God's mercy. Unlike the fig tree, which was judged immediately, we are still living in a season of grace. Christ continues to seek fruit in our lives and patiently gives opportunity for repentance, growth and transformation. He often comes to us through ordinary circumstances and people, testing whether we will respond with humility, patience and a teachable spirit.

The sermon concluded with a heartfelt appeal for every believer to remain open to God's correction, willing to be shaped by Him, and eager to bear fruit that brings honour to Christ. May our lives not merely display the appearance of faith, but produce the genuine fruit that refreshes others and delights the Lord whenever He draws near.