- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- God will forgive all of your sins – Acts 2:38
- God will add you to His church – Acts 2:47
- God will register you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23
- Faithful bear fruit in His service – John 15:1-8
What Drove Jesus to His Knees?
Preacher: David Sproule
Topic: Agape Love, Disciple, Example, Humility, Influence, Jesus, John 13, Joy, Love, Sacrifice, Serving, Washing Feet
Date:
September 13, 2026
Passage:
John 13:1-35