No fruit

Mark 11:12-14 NLT

The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. [13] He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. [14] Then Jesus said to the tree, "May no one ever eat your fruit again!"

And the disciples heard him say it.

In our garden we have 2 fig trees - one produces figs, one doesn't, which greatly vexes my nearest and dearest!

The one in the front garden is very beautiful with its symmetrical branches and strong trunk and in summer the leaves are verdant and profuse - that's the one without fruit.

Conversely, the tree in the back garden is a bit ungainly with branches all over the place, yet this is the one that produces figs.

We haven't yet figured out the reason why one tree produces and one doesn't - there must be some key difference.

Perhaps it's the soil?

As followers of Jesus we are called to produce too.

The Bible states that there are different kinds of fruit that the Holy Spirit will help us bear in our lives as we yield to Him...

Galatians 5:22-23 NKJV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

How ashamed should I be if Jesus looks at my life and finds only leaves of outward show, but no fruit!