Starting and Ending with God
Thank you for joining us again this morning. I always find my days are more productive when I begin and end with God. I start my day by reading my Bible and end in prayer—perfect bookends for a Godly day. Today’s reading comes from Mark chapters 10 and 11.
The Fig Tree
One of the first sermons I ever preached was on the fig tree in Mark 11:12–26. Years earlier, a nonbeliever in an old online chatroom asked me why Jesus would curse a tree (Mark 11:14). I didn’t know the answer then, but as I prayed about my call to preach, that question resurfaced. Could I explain it?

I began searching commentaries and theological reflections. Now, looking at these two chapters together, I realize how essential complete context is. The fig tree wasn’t just about botany—it was a symbol of spiritual fruitfulness.
Designed for Fruitfulness
Jesus begins Mark 10 by reaffirming the biblical definition of marriage (Mark 10:6–12). This isn’t a contract, as we often treat it today—it’s a covenant. A sacred union between a man and a woman, designed to produce fruit: children, legacy, and spiritual growth.

This fruitfulness is not just biological—it’s spiritual. When people redefine marriage outside of God’s design, it loses its capacity to reflect divine purpose. That’s why same-sex marriage, while culturally accepted, contradicts the biblical model of a fruit-bearing union.
Childlike Faith
Jesus welcomes children in Mark 10:13–15, not because they are perfect, but because they are open, curious, and dependent. They come without prejudice or pride. This is how He wants us to approach Him—trusting, humble, and receptive.
The Illusion of Control
The man’s sadness stemmed from his dependence on his riches, not from being told to part with them. He wanted to negotiate salvation as if it were a transaction. But you do not earn salvation; you receive it. (Eph 2:8-9)

Some interpret this passage as anti-wealth. It’s not. God blesses some with abundance. But He knows our hearts. If wealth becomes an idol, it becomes a barrier to fruitfulness. Financial struggle can be a divine invitation to trust deeper.
The Gift of Sight
Then we meet Bartimaeus in Mark 10:46–52. He was blind, but perceptive. He called out to Jesus as “Son of David,” recognizing His royal and divine identity. Jesus healed him—not just to restore sight, but to reward faith.(1)

Bartimaeus shows us we can heal spiritual blindness by crying out in faith. His story sets the stage for the fig tree—a living parable of fruitless religion.
A Warning Against Barren Faith
The fig tree had leaves early in the season (Mark 11:13), signaling fruitfulness. But it had no fruit. Like Israel, like a marriage without spiritual purpose, like a life focused on wealth—it was all appearance, not substance.

Jesus cursed it (Mark 11:14) not out of spite, but to teach that outward religiosity without inward transformation is useless. When we don’t bear fruit—when we don’t show Christ to others—we risk spiritual withering.
Are You Producing Fruit?
So I ask: Are you outwardly religious but inwardly barren? Is your life filled with activity or with production? If you’re working hard for the Lord but not bearing fruit, test yourself.

Mark 11:24–25 reminds us that faith and forgiveness are essential. Are you believing? Are you forgiving? Or are you going through the motions while harboring resentment?

Jesus wants fruit. He wants faith. He wants surrender.
Footnotes

Matt Skinner, “Commentary on Mark 10:46–52,” Working Preacher, Luther Seminary, https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-30-2/commentary-on-mark-1046-52-2.