Monday

Monday

Teaching Cookie: Fig Tree

READ Matthew 21:18-22

Recommended Translation for Preschool & Children- NIrV

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Many people don’t know a lot about figs. As a matter of fact, most people only think of them for being the main ingredient in a Fig Newton. The fruit of the fig tree is good and sweet. In Jesus’ day, fig-trees were pleasurable things.

Following Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, He spent Sunday night in a village at the foot of the Mount of Olives. As Jesus returned to Jerusalem on Monday, He noticed a fig tree that had produced leaves a little earlier than it should have. But since the fig tree bore leaves, He expected to find figs, yet it was fruitless. Jesus cursed the tree and it withered away. And the disciples were AMAZED!

Just like a fig tree, we have lots of opportunities to be “fruitful”. That means living a life that shows our faith and faithfulness to the Lord, and to live a life is pleasing to God. It means looking for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus with others as much as we can. That means helping other people grow to become more Christ-like. If we are truly connected to Jesus, if we are truly His disciples, we will bear fruit that reflects God’s character. Our love for the Savior should make us want to live this kind of life. Our friends in Christ will help us. But ultimately, WE must decide that Jesus is Lord and is worthy of our life’s commitment to Him!

In this passage of scripture, we see the disciples ask Jesus how He made the tree wither up and die. Jesus answers them by trying to help them understand that with faith all things are possible! He is telling them that if they have faith in Him, and they don’t question the power of the faith they have in Him then they can do anything--even casting a mountain into the sea. He’s telling the disciples that it doesn’t matter if the need is great or small, faith is sufficient.

ASK

• We talked a lot about “bearing fruit” or being fruitful. Do you understand what that means?

• Imagine seeing an apple tree from a distance. As you get closer and closer to the tree, all you can think about is how good that apple is going to taste when you finally get there. But when you get close up to the tree, there is NO APPLE anywhere in sight. The tree is covered in nothing but leaves. How would you feel?

• Do you think that is how Jesus must feel when we tell people we love Jesus but if you look close at our everyday life, we aren’t living a life that would please Him?

• Think about how you act daily. Are the choices you make ones that would please Jesus?

• Do you know what makes you a Christian? It’s important to understand that you coming to church, making all the best choices, and even telling lots of people about Jesus doesn’t make you a Christian. Recognizing that you are a sinner and that Jesus died for all of our sins, and without his sacrifice, we would be lost is what makes you a Christian.

• What is one thing you think you can change in your life that will help others see the “fruit” of your love for Jesus?

PRAY

Holy and gracious Father, You give us so many chances to start over, to live for You, and to show others how amazing You are. Thank You for never giving up on us and thank You for Your grace and patience for each of us. Father we want to live a life that has fruit and shows Your grace, Your mercy, and Your love at all times. Please give us the courage, the power, and the help to do this always. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.