Easter ReflectionsSample

After the triumphant entry and driving out the merchants from the temple, Jesus was tired and went to spend the night at Bethany in Peter's home, which was not far from Jerusalem. As he headed back to the city that morning, he saw a fig by the roadside. Firstly, in ancient Jerusalem, a tree by the roadside meant that it was wild; it belonged to no one, and no one cared for it.

Secondly, the fig tree had only leaves, no figs. From the look of it, it appeared to be one that should have fruit. This fig tree did not produce figs due to a lack of care. A little pruning would have helped (Matthew 21:19). When Jesus went to the tree and found no fruit, he was disappointed. He passed judgment on the tree, and the judgment was just, since the tree had shown all indications of fruit-bearing capacity, yet, upon assessment, it failed the test.

What did the fruitless fig tree signify? The fig tree represents the religious leaders of Jesus' time. They presented themselves as God-fearers, yet their actions did not match their talk. They preached water and drank wine. Their hearts were evil, yet they pretended to be good (Matthew 12:34).

The disciples marvelled when they saw the tree withering after Jesus had cursed it. Then Jesus took that opportunity to teach them about trusting God. He told them of how they would do more than curse a fig tree if only they had faith. The word 'Faith' is mentioned 243 times in the New Testament, and the verb 'to believe' is mentioned 241 times; this shows that God, the Author of the Scriptures, pays great attention to the subject of our faith (complete trust in God). As human beings, we are very limited, yet God is all-powerful; essentially, we can do nothing apart from God (John 15:5).

Unlike the fig tree that didn't have an owner and, as such, couldn't bear fruit, we belong to God; therefore, we can trust that he will care for us. All we need to do is put all our faith in him and not in our feeble abilities. Also, do not be like the Pharisees, represented by the fig tree, claiming that you are a Christian yet lacking the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

This Easter, ask God to help you bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life since the moment you believed, you were sealed by the promised Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:14). To bear this fruit, you must trust in Jesus Christ.

Prayer:

Holy Father, full of grace, I ask you to help me bear much fruit by faith. Guide me in the way everlasting. Give me the desire to do that which pleases you. Prune me to be fruitful in your vineyard. In Jesus' name, Amen.