Jesus and the Fig Tree

      Recently, I posted a message on a forum to discuss the passage in Matthew 21 where Jesus curses a fig tree.  It always seemed odd to me that he would do that.  When the disciples see the tree later they see that it has quickly withered and then ask Jesus how that happened.  He goes on to talk to them about faith.  Some on the forum I have been involved in suggested that this is also a parable about the importance of bearing fruit.  (see Matthew 21:18-24)

    I'm not sure that that is the main focus or point, but it certainly is true.  It is expected of us as believers to bear fruit.  John 15:2 says "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful."  So, what type of fruit are we to bear?

     I think one evidence of the Spirit at work in our lives is the ability to control our tongues.  James talks about this extensively.  We have the ability, even as christians, to use our words to build others up or tear them down.  James said in James 1:26-27 "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.  Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faithless is this: to look after orphands and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."   That's pretty strong words.  James calls it "worthless" if we don't keep a tight rein on our tongues. 

      What are some of the other evidences that the Spirit is working in our lives?  Galatians 5:22-24 says, "But he fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  Since we live by he Spirit let us keep in step with the Spirit."  Do I keep in step with the spirit?  Are these things growing in our lives and increasing? 

   One other thing that I think you can say, if you look at the opposite end of this and look at the evidence of the sinful nature being in control is that the sinful nature is selfish.  The person who doesn't care about what others think or who they hurt gossip as much as they want.  They don't care that what they say is hurtful.  The person who has the flesh in control will cheat and steal and lie becasue the most important thing is themselves.  Whereas, love puts others first 1 Corinthians 13  We need to remember that Jesus himself sacrificed himself and gave us an example of how love sacrifices for others.

   In Isaiah 53 the whole chapter is basically devoted to a view of Jesus, hundreds of years before he came to earth.  Isaiah says this about Jesus, "He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their face he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted." verse 3-4  He gave us an example of forgiveness also when he forgave those who crucified him.  Now, he wants us to reflect that we know him and set our hearts on Him.