The Cursed Tree

Key Texts:

Matthew 21:18–22

Matthew 21:12–13

Jeremiah 1:5

Luke 13:6–9

1. The Expectation of Fruitfulness

Jesus approaches the fig tree expecting fruit because of what it is. In the same way, when God looks at us, He sees our purpose, who we were created to be.

We are not random; we are designed intentionally (Jeremiah 1:5).

Jesus doesn’t just see who we are. He sees who we are meant to become.

One day, there will be an accountability for our fruitfulness.

2. The Danger of Appearance Without Substance

The fig tree had leaves, giving the impression of fruit,but it was empty.

This represents religion without transformation.

Outward signs (church attendance, Bible study, routine) can look like life…

but may lack spiritual fruit.

Key Question:

👉 “Where is the fruit?”

3. Jesus Is Specific About Purpose

Just as Jesus:

• Recognized the fig tree for what it should produce,

• Entered the temple with a clear purpose (Matthew 21:12–13),

• He also has specific expectations for each person.

God’s calling is not vague.

Our lives are meant to produce something intentional and meaningful.

4. The Cleansing Before the Fruit

In the temple:

• Jesus removed what didn’t belong.

• Then healing and restoration began.

Principle:

Before fruit can grow, wrong things must be removed.

• Distractions

• False motives

• Desire for human approval

5. False Fruit vs. True Fruit

False fruit: Looks good outwardly but is spiritually dead.

True fruit: Alive, growing, and reproductive, it carries seeds.

True fruit is not just visible, it has life within it.

6. The Warning and the Mercy (Luke 13:6–9)

The barren fig tree in Luke shows both:

• Judgment (if fruit never comes)

• Grace (time is given to change)

Like the farmer:

• Jesus is patient

• He intercedes

• He works in us, digging, pruning, fertilizing

• But we must be open to His work.

Jesus cursed the fig tree not because it lacked leaves, but because it lacked fruit while appearing fruitful.

Another Level - Next Level Growth

Here are the main takeaways from this sermon!

1 Corinthians 13:11

“As an individual, I need to grow.”

Not just in age, not just in routine, but in maturity.

Paul speaks clearly: “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.”

Growth is not automatic—it is a choice.

Understanding Real Love

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

This kind of love requires maturity.

Patience. Kindness. Selflessness. Endurance.

You cannot live out this love with a childish mindset. Children respond from emotion and impulse. They see only what’s in front of them, not the bigger picture.

Paul wasn’t just describing love, he was calling the church higher. He was calling them to maturity.

Childish Thinking vs. Mature Thinking

• A child says: “What can I get?”

• A mature person asks: “What can I give?”

• A child reacts emotionally.

• A mature person responds with wisdom.

• A child lives from experience alone.

• A mature person understands purpose and perspective.

When we come into church only wanting to receive, we remain in a childlike state.

Growth begins when we shift from consuming to contributing.

Religion vs. Relationship

Religion is routine without transformation. It’s showing up without growing. But God is not calling us to routine. He’s calling us into relationship, and relationship requires development.

The Stages of Growth (Individually & as a Church)

Infant Stage – Completely dependent

Toddler Stage – Learning,

Child Stage – Growing, but still self-centered

Teenager / Young Adult – Developing identity, learning responsibility

Adult Stage – Mature, stable, and able to reproduce growth in others

The true sign of maturity?

You can help grow others.

The Turning Point: A Decision

“When I became a man…”

That wasn’t just time passing, that was a decision made. If you don’t choose to grow, you won’t. Standing still is not neutral, it’s falling behind.

And the danger is this:

If you don’t transition when it’s time, you may look back with regret.

Every situation God places you in is not meant to break you—it’s meant to grow you.

When God allows something in your life, He’s saying:

“You can do this. You’re ready for the next level.”

So the question is not: “Am I able?”

The question is: “Will I choose to grow?”

Mothers Day Special - The Mother Who Refuses to Do It Without God

Here are the main takeaways from this sermon!

1. She Made Room for God Before the Miracle

2 Kings 4:8–10

The woman repeatedly welcomed the prophet into her home and even built a room for him. If you create space for God, He will fill it.

This woman honoured God before she ever saw a blessing. Just like the declaration in Joshua 24:15

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Every act of faith plants a seed:

• Every prayer

• Every Bible study

• Every conversation about God

You may not see it yet, but seeds are being planted.

2. Waiting Is the Soil Where Faith Grows

Waiting often feels like nothing is happening. But waiting is like planting a seed. Under the soil, roots are forming.

Sometimes God allows waiting because:

• Your blessing is bigger than you expected.

• He is preparing you to carry it.

The woman eventually receives the promised child (2 Kings 4:17 ).

3. Even After the Blessing, Faith Is Still Required

The child suddenly becomes sick and dies (2 Kings 4:19–20).

Motherhood and life in general has two sides:

For example: Joy vs Fear

Even Mary experienced this as she watched Jesus Christ go to the cross, fulfilling the prophecy in Luke 2:35 that a sword would pierce her soul. Blessings do not eliminate struggles.

4. She Put the Problem Back in God’s Hands

Instead of accepting the loss, the woman carried the problem back to God.

When asked if everything was alright, she said it was well

(2 Kings 4:26). When you have faith even if I don’t understand the situation, God is still working.

Because Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good for those who love God. When God is involved, the story is never over.

5. God Specialises in Complete Restoration

The prophet stretches himself over the boy and life returns

(2 Kings 4:34–36).

The boy sneezes seven times. In the Bible, 7 represents completion. This was not a partial healing. This was complete restoration.

Just like when Jesus Christ called Lazarus out of the grave in the Gospel of John.

When Jesus speaks:

• Dead dreams come back to life

• Dead faith comes back to life

• Hopeless situations come back to life

Death never has the final word.

God gave the woman back the one thing she thought she had lost.

And sometimes God doesn’t just bless you once, He restores you again. Your story is not over if you involve Jesus.

When you refuse to live your life without God, He can take what looks dead, broken, or impossible and bring it back to life.