For two consecutive days, I woke up with swollen fingers. My ring was tight on my hand, and removing it was painful. During those two days, I had a phrase on my mind: “Nothing but leaves.”
It came from this passage of scripture:
And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Mark 11:13 ESV
Typically, a fig tree with leaves also has fruit. But this tree, which drew Jesus’s attention, couldn’t satisfy His hunger because there was nothing. but. leaves.
Nothing But Leaves
Fruit is good for food. But, leaves? I read that fig leaves are good for healing. One of their health benefits is that they contain antioxidants that may reduce inflammation. I purchased a package to see if a cup or two of Fig Leaf Tea would help my swollen fingers.
As I stirred my cup of fig-tree-leaf-infused tea blended with a cinnamon stick and local honey, I wondered why Jesus cursed the tree.
And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14 ESV
Strong’s Lexicon says,
The fig tree’s fruiting cycle, with its early and late figs, made it a valuable metaphor for spiritual readiness and judgment.
The tree was deceptive. The leaves gave the promise of fruit—a picture of those who look successful but have produced nothing substantial.
The tree was unproductive. All appearance, but no fruit. It was incapable of serving Jesus at that moment.
The tree was ripe for judgment. God judges in His timing, not ours. We may be attractive to others, but what will they find when they look for fruit?
Lessons From The Cursed Tree
Be authentic. Those who experience us up close and personal will see whether or not something is substantial in us.
Be productive. Now is the time to study, pray, and build a temple fit to serve Jesus when He calls for us.
Be ready. We are not promised tomorrow. Life is short, and death is sure. Jesus could return at any time. We must be ready when He comes for us.
While the tea was beneficial for reducing the inflammation in my fingers, the lessons from the cursed tree are even more helpful. May our lives be lived authentically, productively, and with readiness to meet Him face to face.
*For those of you who prayer walk, ponder the phrase, “nothing but leaves” and listen to the lessons the Holy Spirit whispers to your soul.