A Tree is Known

“For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:44-45).”It was the third day of Jesus’ journey to the cross. He returned to Jerusalem from Bethany passing by the fig tree that He’d cursed the day before. His disciples noticed that the tree that Jesus cursed had now withered. Seeing this He took the opportunity to teach them about the importance of faith.It wasn’t the time for the fig tree to produce fruit but because its leaves were green (Mark 11:13a) it was expected to have fruit on it (fig trees can produce fruit ten months out of the year). Recall, Jesus was hungry that is why He went to the tree. Since it did not bear fruit Jesus cursed it and the next day it died. As Christians you can have all of the language of faith (religious talk), wear the crosses and other paraphernalia that represents Christ, look good on the outside, but have faith that is superficial, roots that are not deep and a relationship with Christ only appears on the surface.Today, people are hungry; they are looking for answers to all of the things that are going on in the world. Social media is filled with communication seeking prayers, prayers for healing, prayers for deliverance, prayers of hope, reassuring prayers, prayers that offer peace letting you know things will work out and they are seeking it from those whose roots run deep, whose devotion is steadfast, and whose faith is without compromise. That is what Disciples of Christ are called to be. Actions speak louder than words. “A tree is known by the fruit it bears”!