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1. Jesus Looks Beneath the Leaves (Matt. 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14)
   • The tree illustrates the danger of appearance (having outward signs of religion) without substance (producing the fruit God desires)
   • This was a warning God had given before (Hos. 9:10, 16; Mic. 7:1-6; Luke 13:6-9)
   • Jesus is not impressed by “leaves” alone
   • He is looking for the fruit of a transformed life
2. Jesus Cleanses Worship That Has Lost Its Purpose (Matt. 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48)
   • Jesus saw that a sacred place being used for selfish and distracting purposes
   • They had stolen the focus from God, crowding out God’s purposes
   • Like the fig tree, the temple looked alive outwardly, but Jesus exposed spiritual barrenness inwardly
   • Our worship and service must keep God at the center
3. Jesus Calls for the Heart God Blesses (Matt. 21:20-22; Mark 11:20-26)
   • When the disciples saw the withered tree, Jesus said, “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22)
   • Jesus teaches the necessity of faith-filled prayer (Mark 11:23-24)
   • Jesus also connects prayer with forgiveness (Mark 11:25-26)
   • The heart God blesses is the heart Jesus calls for: a trusting heart, praying heart, forgiving heart, teachable heart
   • The same Jesus who draws praise from humble hearts will expose resentment in hardened hearts
4. Let Jesus Find Fruit in You (and More Than Leaves)
   • Believe Jesus is the Son of God – John 1:12
   • Repent of your sins and turn toward God – 2 Peter 3:9
   • Confess your faith in Jesus Christ – Matthew 10:32
   • Be baptized into Christ – Romans 6:3
     1. God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38
     2. God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
     3. God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
   • Faithful bear fruit in His service – John 15:1-8