More Than Leaves!

On an occasion when Jesus and His disciples were returning to Jerusalem, He was hungry. We read. . .

"And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and FOUND NOTHING ON IT BUT ONLY LEAVES. And he said to it, "May NO FRUIT ever come from you again!" And the fig tree withered at once." ( Matthew 21:19 ESV)

What's it about? It's about the FRUIT! Leaves alone may be fine for hemlock, maple, oak, and other deciduous trees. Such can even provide some cool shade on a hot day. However, when it comes to fruit trees, there is an EXPECTATION OF FRUIT. If fruit is not found, that tree no longer serves its purpose. (note Luke 13:6-9)

When Jesus gave His analogy of the vine and the branches, He exhorted His disciples. . .

"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that BEARS MUCH FRUIT, for apart from me you can do nothing." ( John 15:5 ESV)

More than just showing life, we are to be living FRUITFUL LIVES! In our connection to Jesus -- the "True Vine" ( John 15:1) -- the EXPECTATION IS FRUITFUL LIVES to the glory of the Father! In fact, Jesus noted "FRUITFULNESS as a sign indicating discipleship. ( John 15:8) May we not forget it is about the fruit. Let us maintain our connection to the Lord as we understand apart from Him we can bear no fruit.

Have a great day BRANCHING OUT TO SERVE GOD'S PURPOSES!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Fruitfulness