TITLE: Nothing But Leaves
TEXT: Mark 11:12-26
PROPOSITION: Many talk the talk, but do not walk the walk.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Applications
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
| 1. Jesus was hungry. He saw leaves. He expected fruit.
2. Quote from McGarvey. (See below)
3. Study this passage with three applications.
|
A. Jesus B. Jews C. Christians today
Jesus Sought and Seeks
| 1. Jesus - fig tree should had figs - fruit
2. Jews - God's chosen - should show fruit
3. Christians - saved by God's grace - should show fruit
|
| A. John 15:1-5 ? abide in vine, bear much fruit
B. Romans 7:4 ? that we should bring forth fruit to God
|
Jesus Found and Finds
| 1. Jesus - nothing but leaves - outward display only
2. Jews - outward display - no inward results
3. Christians - leaves
|
A. Speak where Bible speaks 1 Pet. 4:11
Requires study Acts 17:11 2 Tim. 2:15
B. Lord's Supper ? partakes but not remember, not discern
C. Teach but do not practice what they teach
C. Worship in spirit and truth John 4:24
Attend ? but they don't worship
Give - not as prospered
Sing ? but without spirit, without understanding, listen to others sing
Pray - lack faith, life filled with doubt
Communion ? partakes but does not remember Christ, discern, examine
Jesus Did and Will Do
| 1. Jesus - cursed the fig tree
2. Jews - cursed the nation
3. Christians - cursed the goats on the left Matt. 25
|
The fact that if was not yet fig-time made it worse for this tree. On this kind of fig tree the fruit forms before the leaves, and should be full grown when the leaves appear: so this tree, by putting on its foliage before the time for figs, was proclaiming itself superior to all the other fig trees. This made it a striking symbol of the hypocrite, who, not content with appearing to be as good as other people, usually puts on the appearance of being a great deal better.
A Commentary on Matthew and Mark, J. W. McGarvey, p. 335-6