1. Nothing But Leaves Mark 11:12-14

2. Jesus and the Cursing of the Fig Tree This story is located during Jesus’ final week in Jerusalem before the cross (Mt. 21:18-22; Mk. 11:12-14, 20-24) One central lesson that comes from this story is the need for a proper faith; a faith that does not doubt in life or in prayer (Jas. 1:6-8)

3. Jesus and the Cursing of the Fig Tree Another important lesson comes from the fact that Jesus was seeking fruit and found none We must be careful not to offer words without works, or a profession without performance – “all talk and no action” (Jas. 2:14ff)

4. What Jesus Sought Jesus, because he was human, was hungry and came seeking fruit Jesus was seeking “fruit” from the Jewish nation (Isa. 5:1-7; Mt. 21:33ff) Jesus is seeking “fruit” from his disciples (Jn. 15:1-8, 16)

5. “fruit unto holiness” (Rom. 6:22) “bring forth fruit unto God” (Rom. 7:4) “fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22; Eph. 5:9) “fruit(s) of righteousness” (Phil. 1:11; Heb. 12:11; Jas. 3:18) “fruitful in every good work” (Col. 1:10) “fruit of our lips” (Heb. 13:15)

6. What Jesus Found Jesus found no fruit; nothing but leaves Jesus did not find “fruit” among many of the Jewish nation (Mt. 21:43; 23:23-28) Jesus often does not find “fruit” among professed followers today

7. “Nothing but leaves” Excuses for not obeying the gospel Excuses for not attending the services Excuses for not giving a contribution Excuses for not living right during the week Excuses for not doing personal work

8. “Nothing but leaves” “Going to” worship, but not really worshipping in spirit and truth (Jn. 4:24) “Taking” the L.S., but not discerning the body and blood (1 Cor. 11:27-29) “Giving”, but not as we prospered (2 Cor. 9:7) Having a “name”, but in reality we are dead; no works perfected (Rev. 3:1-2)

9. “Nothing but leaves” Commending the sermon, but not applying it (Ezek. 33:30-32; Jas. 1:22-25) Sorry and remorseful about living wrong, but won’t do anything to change it or repent (2 Cor. 7:10)

10. What Jesus Did Jesus cursed the unproductive fig tree Jesus cursed the unproductive Jewish nation (Mt. 3:8; 24:1ff; Lk. 13:1-5, 6-9; 21:5ff) Jesus will curse the unproductive disciple (Mt. 7:19; Jn. 15:2,6)

11. Nothing But Leaves What about your life, is it fruitful, or nothing but leaves? Will you hear “well done” or “depart from me, ye cursed” (Mt. 25:23, 41)