“The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 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, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.” Mark 11.12-14
Jesus was walking after a long day and an early morning, and as they left Bethany, he wanted a snack. Perhaps more than a snack, as the text says he was hungry. When I’m hungry, I crave a meal, like Mexican or BBQ. So as Jesus approached a fig tree, he believed he might be satisfied. But as he approached it, he saw that it was empty of fruit. How disappointing! Like when I drive up to Chick Fil A on a Sunday and realize it’s closed! To be fair to the fig tree, it wasn’t its season to bear fruit. Jesus knew this, but still, he wanted those figs.
Seeing that it was bare, he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again,” to which the disciples heard him speak. Now, was Jesus being vain? Nah. Was he angry about the lack of figs? Certainly. And he used his power to cease production of figs from this particular tree forever. It was a very human thing for Jesus to do. Not a sin, mind you, but a reaction to being disappointed. And he used his power to put an end to future fig production.
And yet I ask you, what power did Jesus use? His voice. He spoke, and the fig tree shriveled up the next day (v.20 tells us it had shriveled from the roots). Jesus said the words, and it happened. John 1 tells us he is the Word of God. In the beginning was the Word, who was with God at the start of time. Remember those verses? In Genesis 1, God spoke a word, and the world was created. That spoken word, the action of God, the will, and intention of God, is Jesus. He is the word made flesh.
Amazing power embodied within a human form. Jesus contained the flesh of humanity but the spirit, will, and power of God. Fully human, fully God. So whatever Jesus spoke became action. Maybe this is why the preached word contains such power. It is the imitation of who Jesus is and what he does and when infused with the Spirit of God does not return void.
This day, right now, we have access to the Word of God in Jesus. We can call out to him for help, and he will guide us, lead us, and save us. He is not distant but is right here among us. The Living Word of God, Jesus, is now experienced through the power of the Holy Spirit, but God also gave us a written Word of God in which his voice might be heard and guidance given to those who seek his way.
“Come, Lord God, fill us with your Word. Fill us with THE Word. Help us know your power and plan so we might walk in your way that leads to life eternal. I love you, Lord, and praise your name. When I was lost, you saved me. When I was needy, you healed me. When I was in sin, you delivered me. Beautiful Savior, I praise your name. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.