Matthew 21:12-46
Reflect
The fig tree in verse 18 represents the Jewish nation. The Jewish people had professed allegiance and service to God. They strictly observed the law and did everything right. They were a fig tree full of leaves--but a fig tree with no fruit “for the people were neither holy, nor just, nor true, nor faithful towards God, nor loving to their neighbor. The Jewish church was a mass of glittering profession, unsupported by spiritual life” (Charles Spurgeon).
This passage holds wisdom for us today. Are we people who appear godly on the outside but have lives that show a lack of fruit? Are we growing and becoming more like Jesus in our homes, schools, and places of work? Culture around us seems to turn a keen eye to this kind of Christianity, the kind of Christianity that speaks one thing and does another. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Apply
Let’s take a moment to examine our lives together and ask the Holy Spirit to work in us that we may be people who bear much fruit.
Erin Gibbard
Pray
- Pray for Pastor Dan, our Lead Team Pastor and his family.
- Pray for our Young Adults Pastor, Nathanael Trinh, his ministry, and his family.
- Pray for our Congregational Life Pastor, Melissa Chaffee and her family.
- Pray for our Communications Specialist, Katrina Grey.
- Pray for our McKernan Groups Assistant, Noah Okken.
- Pray for all our small group leaders.
- Pray for the Children’s Ministry Assistants Abigail, Adelynn, Amelia, Blythe, Clarissa, Domina, Sylvie and Tia.