A New Season

Mark 11: 12 - 14a 12) 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.

In the physical world, seasons are marked by well defined parameters.  A sports team knows how many games need to be played.  The playoffs and championship games are played on certain dates.  Every year on a cycle,  the weather alerts us as to when seasons are changing.  While not as definitive as a sports season, blasts of hot or cold air, or falling or budding leaves, communicates an approaching season.

When Jesus arrived on the scene, a new dynamic was unfolding.  His ministry was replete with signs of impending change.  A new season was dawning, but this season would not be forecast on a calender.  From angels heralding his birth to shepherds on a hillside, to lepers being healed (only God could do that!), Jesus was announcing the advent of a new kingdom, a new way of life. It was a new day was dawning; a new season bursting forth. Like a warm day at the beginning of March, the ministry of Jesus was a harbinger of things to come.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem with the cross looming in his near future, his words and actions continue to echo the coming of a new season.  In Mark 11:12 - 14, Jesus approaches a fig tree 'in leaf', to find fruit. We are told the tree has no fruit because it was not the season for it (v. 13).  Jesus 'curses' the fig tree to the bewilderment of his disciples.  Mark uses a literary technique called intercalation, whereby one narrative, the cleansing of the Temple, is bracketed by the beginning and ending of another narrative, the cursing of the fig tree.  This is done for the purpose of commentary.  So the idea is to see the narrative of the fig tree as being linked to cleansing of the Temple.

What is that all about?  Jesus is giving us a vivid picture of a new season.  I find it strange that the tree is punished for not bearing fruit out of season.  I do not believe Jesus is surprised by the discovery.  In fact, it could be argued the tree is producing its best.  What can it do out of season?  Nothing.  If we are to view this narrative as a commentary on the Temple cleansing, one might argue that this is far greater than some moneychangers, doves, and cattle.  Yes, there may have been issues with those things, but it was the whole system that Jesus was commenting on through his actions.

I submit to you, the Temple system was producing its best: nothing worthwhile.  What was it producing? Oppression, power, and greed, among other things. A new season was dawning through Jesus.  Jesus will ultimately fulfill what the religious system of the Temple could not. When we are spiritually hungry, we must seek that which will give us what we need.  Why doesn't our religiosity fill us?  Why doesn't it produce lasting fruit?  It can't.  It does the best it can.  And we see the results of that.  But, Jesus?  Well, he can produce the fruit in our lives, if we let him. The old system was withering and dying.  Jesus parading through the Temple making a mess and causing a scene is a message for everyone to hear. It is a new season. 

Father, You alone know what we need.  We have given our best, and it has produced self-centered living.  May we embrace You!  For only You can produce fruit in me.  Only You can satisfy the longings of our hearts.    Amen. 

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