Did Jesus Really Yell At A Tree?
Preaching
Lions And Cows Dining Together
And 111 Other Sermon Ideas
Object:
Purpose Statement: As Christians are we the worker bees or the drones?
Certain scripture passages are inexplicable, or almost so. Such a passage is Matthew 21:18-22 where we find a hungry Jesus passing by a fig tree, and because it has no figs to eat, he kills the tree. Matthew seems to use this story as an opportunity to have Jesus say that we are capable of greater things than we imagine. But, the question on all our minds is, "Would Jesus really get angry at a tree or kill a tree to teach a lesson?" It does seem out of character. Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 relates the same incident with these added details: it is not the season for the tree to bear fruit, and the tree does not immediately die, but is dead the next day when they again pass by. This story is another example of the many parallel stories of events in the ministry of Jesus that were remembered in different ways. It certainly is out of character for Jesus to kill a healthy fig tree when it isn't even fig season, in a land where there are many hungry people. We must search for other explanations. If we move to the third gospel we may find a more likely way it could have happened. Luke 13:6-9 seems to give a more reasonable account: Jesus does not kill a tree but tells a parable with excellent moral values.
a. God wants our lives to be purposeful. The tree's owner says it hasn't produced figs for three years now; if it isn't going to bear, cut it down. Intrinsically, each of us is worth more than we can imagine. Our value as human beings is priceless; even though, at times, we are capable of acting like parasites. We shouldn't simply occupy space and use resources indiscriminately without remuneration. Occasionally, we hear some famous athlete or other celebrity say, "I need to give back to my home community for the support I received when I was just starting out." The United States is often criticized for using far more than its share of the world's natural resources. Do we give back fairly? As individual Christians we must ask ourselves if we are soaking up the abundant life or if we contribute our fair share for others. Do we give volunteer service, donate blood, help out neighbors, or take advantage of other countless opportunities to make our communities safe and pleasant? It is more than having an occupation and earning a living. Christian service goes far beyond the eight-hour-a-day job.
b. God will give us second chances. The gardener seems like a caring and sensible individual (of course he or she does, in this story the gardener represents God) and recommends waiting one more year to see if the tree will come around. God is so generous with us because God loves us more than we can understand. God forgives us, and grants us continual opportunities to change and grow. The obvious danger is that we may be tempted to think we are able to take advantage of God's patience by irresponsible behavior. "God will always forgive us." We are unable to see the damage it does to our spirits if in another year we still haven't produced figs. We will have lost opportunities and destroyed some of our potential to serve. Our resources are not inexhaustible. We may choose to waste time and talent and watch our lives wither clear down to the roots.
Certain scripture passages are inexplicable, or almost so. Such a passage is Matthew 21:18-22 where we find a hungry Jesus passing by a fig tree, and because it has no figs to eat, he kills the tree. Matthew seems to use this story as an opportunity to have Jesus say that we are capable of greater things than we imagine. But, the question on all our minds is, "Would Jesus really get angry at a tree or kill a tree to teach a lesson?" It does seem out of character. Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 relates the same incident with these added details: it is not the season for the tree to bear fruit, and the tree does not immediately die, but is dead the next day when they again pass by. This story is another example of the many parallel stories of events in the ministry of Jesus that were remembered in different ways. It certainly is out of character for Jesus to kill a healthy fig tree when it isn't even fig season, in a land where there are many hungry people. We must search for other explanations. If we move to the third gospel we may find a more likely way it could have happened. Luke 13:6-9 seems to give a more reasonable account: Jesus does not kill a tree but tells a parable with excellent moral values.
a. God wants our lives to be purposeful. The tree's owner says it hasn't produced figs for three years now; if it isn't going to bear, cut it down. Intrinsically, each of us is worth more than we can imagine. Our value as human beings is priceless; even though, at times, we are capable of acting like parasites. We shouldn't simply occupy space and use resources indiscriminately without remuneration. Occasionally, we hear some famous athlete or other celebrity say, "I need to give back to my home community for the support I received when I was just starting out." The United States is often criticized for using far more than its share of the world's natural resources. Do we give back fairly? As individual Christians we must ask ourselves if we are soaking up the abundant life or if we contribute our fair share for others. Do we give volunteer service, donate blood, help out neighbors, or take advantage of other countless opportunities to make our communities safe and pleasant? It is more than having an occupation and earning a living. Christian service goes far beyond the eight-hour-a-day job.
b. God will give us second chances. The gardener seems like a caring and sensible individual (of course he or she does, in this story the gardener represents God) and recommends waiting one more year to see if the tree will come around. God is so generous with us because God loves us more than we can understand. God forgives us, and grants us continual opportunities to change and grow. The obvious danger is that we may be tempted to think we are able to take advantage of God's patience by irresponsible behavior. "God will always forgive us." We are unable to see the damage it does to our spirits if in another year we still haven't produced figs. We will have lost opportunities and destroyed some of our potential to serve. Our resources are not inexhaustible. We may choose to waste time and talent and watch our lives wither clear down to the roots.
