Fruitlessness and Faith-filled Praying

My quiet time this morning focused on this day (Tuesday) in the week preceding Jesus crucifixion.  One event that occurred on this day was Jesus’ curse upon the fruitless fig tree.  The account is found in Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11: 12-16.  What Matthew address topically in one event, Mark addresses chronologically, with the cursing of the tree occuring on Monday and the explanation being given the next day.   

The fig tree in our backyard is now green with leaves and new fruit.  The fruit and the leaves of the fig come out together.  This is what Jesus expected to find on the fig tree he saw.  Yet he found it to be green with leaves but barren of fruit.  It had the appearance of health, but was unproductive.  It had no fruit.  Using the tree as an object lesson, Jesus harshly judges the hypocrisy of outward religious appearance that is inwardly dead and fruitless.  In the Old Testament the fig tree is a metaphor for Israel and God’s judgment on his fruitless people who have turned to empty religion and man-centered legalism instead of a vibrant relationship with God.

Jesus seeks this same vibrant relationship of fruitfulness with us. (John 15: 1-9)

Surprisingly Jesus takes his disciples, and us, from the negative lesson of fruitlessness to a positive one of faith-filled prayer.  Fruit bearing is vitally connected to faithful, humble, grace-filled prayer. 

Faithful praying asks for and expects God to remove whatever stands in the way of fruit bearing in our lives and in our churches.  Faithful praying believes God exists and that he rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).  Faithful praying asks for and expects God to work according to His gracious sovereign plans.  This is how Jesus prayed (Mark 14:36).

Faith-filled prayer is also humble praying.  This humility recognizes the reality and presence of sin in my life and my great need for God’s forgiveness and mercy.  Humble praying recognizes the necessity of seeking  reconciliation  with my brother before I come seeking the face of God in worship and prayer (Matthew 5:23).

Faith-filled, humble prayer is also grace-filled prayer.  It offers and extends to others the forgiveness and grace I have received from Christ (Colossians 3:13).

The lesson I took away from this event on this Tuesday of Holy Week is two-fold:  first a warning against the hypocrisy of fruitless  religion and legalism.  God judges it harshly.  Second, a call to an intimate relationship with Jesus seen in a faith-filled, humble, grace motivated prayer life.  These are the prayers God hears.  These are the prayers that see God move the mountains that hinder our fruitfulness.