"Nothing But Leaves..." Mark 11:13 I. Introduction. A. Relate the customs of the day concerning grains, fruits, etc. B. Hunger overtakes Jesus. 1. Spied a fig tree: appeared to be bearing fruit. 2. Under close examination: No fruit. 3. Figs come before leaves: if leaves, should have been fruit. C. How disappointing to expect one thing and find another. II. Body. A. The fig tree demonstrated hypocrisy. 1. One appearance: in reality--something else. 2. Deception is involved: not weakness(could have had less than perfect fruit). 3. Think of the Pharisees: Matt. 23:25-26, 28. 4. Not being the time for figs, this tree was giving an appearance of superiority in comparison to other trees. B. The fig tree was not fulfilling its purpose. 1. Created to bear fruit. 2. All of creation has purpose on earth: Genesis 1:31. 3. Even man was placed on this planet with aims, purposes, and responsibilities. a. In Eden: Genesis 2:7,8,15. b. Solomon's conclusion: Eccl. 12:13. 4. Any creature of God, not fulfilling purposes, imitates the fig tree. C. The tree was taking up productive space. 1. Did not deserve the space: bore no fruit. 2. What is wasteful is usually destroyed. 3. Farmers plow under unproductive crops. 4. When breathe God's air, eat God's food, drink God's water, etc.--we are to show our gratefulness. 5. This tree was not only useless: it was harmful(prevented other vines from growing-- like weeds in a garden). D. Jesus cursed the tree for it's failure: Mark 11:14, 20-21. 1. Neglected created purpose: must now be destroyed. 2. Note: Had not borne bad fruit--just bore no fruit. 3. Classic illustration of uselessness. 4. The tree helped neither itself nor others(was it even adequate for shade?). E. Would we like our service to God investigated? 1. What if Christ came to personally examine our faith? 2. Note: II Corinthians 13:5. 3. To the elders: Acts 20:28. 4. Someday--it will happen! Matthew 25. F. Do not give one appearance and hide another. 1. If want others to believe that I am righteous: be righteous. 2. Discuss the word hypocrite. 3. "Can fool all the people part of the time..part of the people all the time..God none of the time." 4. Remember: Romans 2:16. G. Christians should, as was expected of the fig tree, bear fruit. 1. James advice: James 4:17. 2. Because we are servants: Romans 6:22. 3. Imagine the Lord's disappointment when we do not bear fruit. a. Discuss Israel: Romans 11:17-22. b. Proper fruit: Galatians 5:22-23. III. Conclusion. A. The tree had to be a fig tree to bear figs. B. To bear fruit for Christ, one must be a Christian.