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Reflection on the
Fig Tree
The fig tree (mentioned in Mark 11) has an unusual fruiting habit. The first or early figs to ripen are those that have ‘overwintered’ as embryo fruits. The next fruit to ripen will be fruit that develops in springtime and will be ripe for late summer. Meanwhile ‘embryo fruits’ will be developing on new growth for next year’s early crop.
These three fruiting stages in a biblical sense represent the past, the present and the future. When Jesus saw the fig tree, there was no fruit, and as we know He cursed the tree and it withered from the roots. The Old Covenant has been surpassed. The lesson here is Jesus has power over life and death, He is the Judge. This is a fulfillment of the prophecy given by John the Baptist to Isreal’s religious leaders, warning them to bear good fruit or perish (Matthew 3:7- 12).
The lesson we should take from this is that we cannot rely simply on fruit from our past, we also need to bear good fruit today while planning good fruit for the future. I will close with Toby Hole’s prayer (Living Light, 22nd July 2025) in the hope we can be united and say together in Jesus’ name. “Heavenly Lord, fill us with your Holy Spirit, so that we may bear fruit for you. Amen”
Yours faithfully,
David
UPCOMING NCT EVENTS
DECEMBER
3rd Ladies’ Day with Chris Duffett
9th Bible seminar with Peter Cockrell 17th Carol Service – FULL!
22nd Time out with God: Ruth Conlonn
JANUARY
19th Time out with God: Emma Cockrell
20th Bible seminar with Peter Cockrell
FEBRUARY
9th Time out with God: Ruth Conlon
24th Bible seminar with Peter Cockrell
25th Ladies’ Day with Fiona Hendley- Jones
Mission to Prisons
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