Consecration 2026: Day 15

DAILY DEVOTIONAL — Leaves Without Fruit

Scripture Focus: Matthew 21:19 (NKJV)
“And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, ‘Let no fruit grow on you ever again.’ Immediately the fig tree withered away.”

Expository Explanation
Matthew 21 takes place during the final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry. As Jesus approaches Jerusalem, He encounters a fig tree full of leaves but bearing no fruit. In the natural world, leaves often indicate that fruit should be present. This tree appeared healthy but was unproductive.

Jesus’ response is intentional and symbolic. The fig tree represents outward appearance without inward substance—a picture of spiritual activity without spiritual fruit. In the broader context, this act serves as a prophetic warning to Israel’s religious system, which had become rich in ritual but poor in righteousness.

The immediate withering of the tree underscores a sobering truth: God is not impressed by appearance alone. He desires lives that produce fruit consistent with faith, repentance, and obedience.

Reference Scriptures

• Luke 13:6–9 — The parable of the barren fig tree
• John 15:2, 8 — Fruit as evidence of discipleship
• Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit
• James 2:17 — Faith without works is dead

Devotional Thought
It is possible to look spiritually alive and still be fruitless.

Leaves represent visibility—activity, language, appearance. Fruit represents transformation—changed character, obedience, and impact. Jesus was not condemning growth; He was confronting emptiness disguised as health.

God is not merely looking for attendance, vocabulary, or outward behavior. He is looking for fruit that reflects a life connected to Him.

Reflection Questions

1. In what ways might my spiritual life look healthy on the outside but lack fruit on the inside?
2. What fruit should be evident in my life at this stage of my walk with Christ?
3. Am I prioritizing appearance over obedience?

Application Point
Pursue fruit, not just form.
Ask God to examine your heart and produce genuine spiritual fruit in your life. Focus less on how your faith appears and more on how it transforms your daily actions, attitudes, and relationships.

Connection to Christ always produces fruit.

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
Search my heart and remove anything that is only surface-level faith.
Help me remain connected to You so that my life produces lasting fruit.
Transform my character, align my desires with Your will, and let my faith be evident through obedience and love.
I don’t want to look alive—I want to be fruitful.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Challenge
Identify one area of your life where God is calling for deeper fruit—love, patience, forgiveness, obedience, or faithfulness. Take one intentional step today to cultivate that fruit through prayer and action.