Nothing But Leaves

As you heard in our scripture reading Jesus cursed the fig tree *1st SLIDE and then the next day when they went by it again it was dead and withered away. It’s important to understand that this was a sign to the Jews that if they rejected Jesus as their King they would be cursed, of course they did reject Him and crucified Him!

But I believe there's another lesson in this miracle that we can learn from and apply to our own lives today.

Facts: I read some interesting facts about fig trees; fig trees bear fruit either before they get leaves or at the same time as they have their leaves. Like this. *2nd SLIDE So when Jesus saw this tree He saw leaves on it yet He knew that the fig trees were not yet in season for fruit. So, when He came to the tree and saw ‘Nothing But Leaves’ *3rd SLIDE and no fruit, He cursed it for a sign to the Jews and for us to signify that Jesus is looking for real fruit and not just for something that looks good or looks pretty to the eyes! He's looking for something real and genuine.

As a Christian the Bible says we are to bear fruit that means we are to produce results for the Lord Jesus Christ through our lives, through our witness, through our behavior and our actions, and through the way that we treat others. Jesus looks for the real thing! Not just something that looks good on the outside.

When Jesus looks & sees ‘Nothing but Leaves’ it may mean you are only…

I. Wearing A Disguise *4th SLIDE (trying to look like something we’re not). In October a lot of children dress up or wear a costume for Trick-or-Treat & pretend *5th SLIDE to be something they're not & go looking for candy.

But we should never pretend when it comes to our relationship with God! Matt. 7:22-23 says; *6th SLIDE "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?" "And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

A. So many people in our world today try to appear to be religious or even call themselves Christians to make themselves feel better about their lifestyle and their sin.

But the fact is it is a fake covering to make others believe that they're something they're not! It's only a disguise.

2) They're trying to hide their sin and imperfection deceitfully! Do you remember what the Bible says Adam and Eve did when they sinned? That's right they sewed fig leaves together & hid & tried *7th SLIDE They wanted to pretend that nothing had changed. But God knew differently. He always knows!

B. God wants us to be real and honest with Him and not try to hide behind something *8th SLIDE Hebrews 10:22a "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith…” He's looking for honesty.

God already knows our heart and our motives; we cannot fool Him, so why do so many people try? It’s because they don’t understand the character of God. The Bible teaches us that He is All Knowing, All Powerful, and In All Places all the time*9th SLIDE!

So He wants us to open up and tell Him about our sins and fully trust in Him because He knows already.

When Jesus sees "Nothing but Leaves" in the life of a Christian it means we're…

II. Not Bearing Fruit *10th SLIDE If a person is truly saved and a child of God and will not bear fruit, then they are miss-using God's grace, and not truly abiding in Christ the way they should be. John 15:5 *11th SLIDE“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”

So you see, Jesus wants you and I to make a difference in this world & to bear fruit for Him! If we don't we’re not pleasing Him.

1) He wants us to share the Gospel with others

2) He wants us to live godly lives in front of others as well so they can see Jesus in us. Matthew 5:16 *12th SLIDE "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."

Facts: It should be the desire of every true child of God to glorify and please Him

If you don’t have that desire then you're either not truly saved, or you are not right with God and you're in rebellion to His will for you.. Both of those are dangerous places to be or stay!