Leaves and fruit.

The parable of the fig tree used to confuse me. I didn’t understand why Jesus would be so critical of a tree not producing fruit when it wasn’t the season for it to produce fruit. One of the stations of the cross last week was on this parable.

We had a gathering in Hermi’s back yard, invited people from church to eat and fellowship together. This was to say thank you and goodbye (for now) to Craig, as he left to head back to Ohio. It was also the last day with Lizel, before she prepared to leave for Johannesburg for her surgery (which is today).

In the middle of the yard was a young tree, with bright green leaves and figs growing on it! I pointed it out to the pastor and he said it’s not the season for fig trees, so it was surprising to see one bearing fruit.

One of the South Africans I met with has been anxious, questioning if he will go to heaven, reflecting on his behaviors and lifestyle. I think this is a fear we all wrestle with on and off. The gate is narrow and the road is difficult. Sometimes we assume we are on it and it’s frightening when we are challenged to question our walk.

I appreciated the pastor preaching about the fig tree. He explained that Jesus was pointing out that we shouldn’t be seasonal Christians. That we are called to always bear the fruit of Jesus in our lives. That we look different from the world, we see how much we can give of ourselves to Jesus, as a living and holy sacrifice, while the world sees how much it can get or take. Jesus’ direct address to the tree personified it and condemned it for not providing what it’s appearance promised. It’s misleading appearance suggested great productivity without providing it.

Jesus pointed out that we must not only have green leaves (look like a Christian), buy really bear fruit. If we only have green leaves and bear no fruit, we are like those in the temple, having the appearance of religion but do not have God in our life. Our faith drives our actions because it stems from the love of Christ. The love of Christ compels us.

“He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. In response Jesus said to it, “Let no one eat fruit from you ever again.”
Mark 11:13-14

One of the greatest gifts I have received in South Africa, so far, is studying the Bible with the pastor. He spent 3 hours of his time teaching us a Hermeneutics class. He has spent hours explaining scripture to me and deepening my understanding of it. I am learning how to view it through a new lens and it’s been an eye-opening experience.

It’s been a honor to sit with the South Africans, be trusted with their hearts and to hear their stories. It’s been quite the challenge to juggle therapy here and back in Ohio, especially with the time difference. I am so glad I have flexible clients and have the opportunity to be with people on two sides of the world in one day.