The Lesson Of The Fig Tree

Welcome to Living Vine Chronicles. In this episode, we consider the power of a spoken word, using the example of Jesus cursing the fig tree in the gospel of Mark. Scripture references include: Mark 11:12-22, Psalm 33:9, Proverbs 18:21, Genesis 1:3.  If you would like to discuss the topics introduced in this podcast, I would love to hear from you. You can reach me on Facebook or at the link below. Thanks for taking the time to listen. 

Reflection questions:

What kind of seeds are you sowing with your words? 

What thoughts are worth thinking about? 

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Transcript

I invite you to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence, gently close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. 

As you breathe in, ask the Lord to fill Your body with His peace. 

As you slowly breathe out, envision your entire body relaxing in His presence. 

Envision Jesus with you and take another slow deep breath. 

I invite you to join me as we consider the power of a word. 

The morning had a crisp bite to the air, and we wiped the sleep from our eyes. As we ventured out on our next assignment, our stomachs grumbled in hunger.  Up ahead, we noticed a fig tree. Though it wasn’t fig season, often figs hang on the trees through the winter, and new fruit grows over the old, leaving figs all year round. Our hopes were dashed. This tree bore no fruit. Jesus spoke to the tree, saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”  The next morning, we passed this tree, finding it withered from the roots. 

I stopped to touch this withered tree and consider what had occurred. With a word, spoken in faith and with authority, a transformation occurred. His voice was an unseen force that shifted what was. 

Scriptures flooded my mind: “Life and death are in the power of the tongue.” “In the beginning was the word.” “God spoke and it came to be.” “God said let there be light and there was light.” 

A vision filled my mind. I saw myself speaking. The words I spoke looked like seeds leaving my mouth. I could see those seeds being sown into the soil. I saw those seeds join with spiritual forces as I spoke them, either in agreement with forces of light or forces of darkness. 

I began to reflect on my thoughts, assessing what thoughts I was meditating on and what words I was repeating. Were these thoughts full of light or darkness? I saw these thoughts as if they were a tree, and the tree either bloomed with life or withered with death.  I offered a silent prayer, asking the Lord to fill my mouth with His words and to agree with life. 

My attention returned to the moment as I heard Jesus teaching us, “22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly[f] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.” (Mark 11:22, 23)

The word “Have faith in God” was highlighted as He spoke. I decided to meditate on this idea throughout the day.  

Take a moment to reflect on your experience with the lesson of the fig tree. Respond to the Lord’s leading. And remember, your name is written on the palms of His hands. 

RESOURCES:

Mark 11: 12-22

Psalm 33:9

Proverbs 18:21

Genesis 1:3

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