Scripture

“Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves… Then he said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’”
— Mark 11:13–14 (NIV)

Reflection

When Jesus approached the fig tree, it looked alive—green, leafy, promising. But beneath the surface, there was nothing. No fruit.

This was more than a moment with a tree; it was a warning about the danger of spiritual appearance without transformation. The fig tree represents people, ministries, and even entire communities that look healthy on the outside but lack evidence of God’s work on the inside.

Jesus desires fruit, not just form. He is not impressed by polished appearances, religious habits, or outward show. He looks deeper—into the heart—for love, humility, repentance, and faith that moves into action.

“When we focus only on how we appear, we forget who we are becoming.”

Quote

“God is not impressed by the leaves we show—He searches for the fruit we grow.”

Short Story

I once attended a ministry event where everything looked perfect—lights, music, programs, even the smiles. But something was missing. The Spirit felt quiet, almost absent.

Later, it struck me: we can impress people with leaves, but God is searching for fruit. Just like the fig tree, outward show means little without inner transformation. The real mark of God’s presence is not presentation—it’s lasting change.

Lessons

• Not all growth is godly; not all leaves lead to fruit.
• God examines roots and results—not just appearances.
• Real faith always bears visible, tangible fruit.

Interactive Question

Are you more focused on looking the part than living the truth? What areas of your life may be full of “leaves” but lacking true fruit?

Application

Pause today and take a deeper look. What kind of fruit is your life producing? The world may see a polished image, but God sees your heart.

This is an invitation to prune away empty leaves and pursue fruit that lasts—love, mercy, faithfulness, and truth (Psalm 51:6).

Prayer

Lord, strip away everything in me that is only for show. I don’t want to live a leafy life without lasting fruit. Grow in me what truly matters—love, mercy, faithfulness, and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Remarks

There’s a difference between looking alive and truly living in Christ. Jesus doesn’t call us to perfection—He calls us to authenticity. When your roots go deep in Him, fruit will follow.

Choose substance over show, and watch what God will grow.