What Jesus Did! 'You Must Be Fruitful!' — Matthew 21:18-22

Tuesday, October 5, 2021

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" And immediately the fig tree withered up.

The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?"

Then Jesus told them, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don't doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it."

— Matthew 21:18-22 NLT

Key Thought

Like Jerusalem, we are given so many opportunities to be fruitful, to show our faith and faithfulness to the Lord, and to live a life that blesses others to the Father's glory. But opportunities are not forever. God calls us to reflect his character and grace. When we don't, God will give us opportunities to repent and change our actions even if this refusal and neglect become habitual. But there comes a time when we must change or judgment comes.

If we are truly connected to Jesus, if we are truly his disciples, we will bear fruit that reflects his character. The Spirit will help make sure that we bear this fruit. Our love for the Savior will call us to do so. Our friends in Christ will encourage us to do so. But ultimately, we must decide that Jesus is Lord and is worthy of our life's commitment and service to him!

Today's Prayer

Holy and gracious Father, you have given me so many opportunities to start over, to live for you, to overcome my sinfulness. I cannot thank you enough for the incredible outpouring of your grace and patience for me. Thank you so much. I commit again today to live reflecting your character and grace and ask that you not only be pleased, but that you also supply me with the power to help me live for your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 15:5-8
  • John 14:12-14
  • 2 Peter 1:5-8

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 21:18-22 NLT — "May you never bear fruit again!"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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