Serious Fruit

PRAY: Heavenly Father, I want to become a highly effective Christian. Please show me how I can do that for your glory.

READ: Matthew 21:18-22

REFLECT: It would be much easier for us to focus our attention in Matthew 21:18-22 on Jesus' encouraging comments about mountain-moving faith rather than on how he miraculously withered the poor fig tree. But the two actions are linked and were intended to teach the disciples and us some important truths.

Some might explain Jesus' outburst as a reaction to pressure; after all, the previous day at the temple had been stressful for everyone (Matthew 21:1-17). Even when they are under pressure, Christian leaders need to remember the feelings of others; they also need the understanding and forgiveness of those around them. It's hard to be perfect when you are upfront all the time.

But the point of Jesus' sharp words and miraculous withering of the fig tree (Matthew 21:19) was not about relieving stress but bearing fruit. Some commentators see the fig tree as a symbol of Israel's religion at the time; it looked good but ultimately was not satisfying the people's spiritual hunger. But it also seems to be a statement by Jesus on the urgency of his mission. He wanted his followers to know that bearing fruit is serious business and there is no time to waste.

Producing fruit involves at least two things: faith and prayer. This is something far different than "naming and claiming." It is a faith built on a deep relationship with our heavenly Father and transforming prayer that enables us to understand and submit to his will-which may be radically different from our original request. But when we have waited before the Lord and honestly perceived his purposes, we can approach our "mountains" with confidence that he will move them (vv. 21-22). Jesus reminds us that the size of the tree or the height of the mountain is not a problem for God. Our challenge is developing the kind of prayer life built on an unwavering trust that God will accomplish his purposes, his way. As we do that, we can expect him to do incredible things in our lives.

APPLY: In what area of your life do you most need to experience mountain-moving faith? What is one step that you could take in that direction today?

PRAY: Ask God to help you bear his kind of fruit in the challenges you face today.

Discussion Questions for "The Miracles of Jesus"

1. How would you define a miracle? Do you think they are still possible today? Have you ever experienced one? Share experiences.
2. Why are people skeptical about miracles today? Do you think faith and science are compatible? How so?
3. Is there anything about the life and ministry of Jesus that seems unbelievable to you? If so, what is it, and why?
4. Can you think of a time in your life when you were overwhelmed by fear? What happened, and what helped you cope? Has faith in Jesus ever helped you at such times? How so?
5. Has Jesus ever miraculously provided for you? What happened?
6. When have you ever taken a big step of faith? What happened, and what did you learn from the experience?
7. How would you articulate "the case for Christ"? What are the strongest proofs for you that he was the Son of God?

The Essential Jesus (Part 13): More Miracles of Jesus

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