This small group discussion guide draws directly from Charles Scheffe's sermon “7 Days: Fig Tuesday” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
Small Group Discussion Guide
"Fig Tuesday: Leaves, Fruit, and the Life God is Looking For"
Based on Matthew 21:18-22, 33-46
A Note to Facilitators Welcome, and thank you for leading your group this week! This guide is designed to help your group explore a sermon about fruitfulness, stewardship, and what it truly means to follow Jesus — not just in appearance, but in reality. You don't need to be a biblical expert to lead this well. Your job is simply to create a safe space for honest conversation, ask good questions, and listen. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. Feel free to skip questions that don't fit your group or run out of time — it's better to go deep on a few questions than to rush through all of them.
OVERVIEW
In this sermon, the pastor walks through "Fig Tuesday" — the day Jesus cursed a fruitless fig tree on his way to the temple during Holy Week. Through this unusual miracle, two parables, and a confrontation with religious leaders, Jesus exposes a problem that's as relevant today as it was then: the danger of looking alive while producing nothing. The sermon challenges us to move beyond religious appearances and ask honestly whether our lives are genuinely connected to Jesus and bearing real fruit.
PREPARATION FOR LEADERS
Before your group meets, take 10 minutes to:
- Read Matthew 21:18-22 and 33-46 in full
- Reflect on the question: "Where in my own life am I tempted to show leaves without producing fruit?"
- Pray for each person in your group by name
- Review the Leader Tips throughout this guide
- Choose which questions best fit your group's size, maturity, and time
Key Themes to Keep in Mind:
- Fruit vs. leaves (authenticity vs. appearance)
- Stewardship vs. ownership (who is really in charge of our lives?)
- Faith that trusts God through mountains, not just around them
- Staying connected to Jesus as the source of all fruit
SECTION 1: ICEBREAKER
⏱ Suggested Time: 5–10 minutes
Opening Question (Choose one based on your group's personality)
Option A (Lighter/Funnier)
"The pastor opened with a story about a possum that looked dead but wasn't. Have you ever been completely fooled by something that turned out to be totally different than it appeared? What happened?"
Option B (More Reflective)
"Think about a time in your life when things looked good on the outside but felt empty or off on the inside. You don't have to share details — but what does that experience feel like?"
[Leader Tip] The icebreaker is about warming up the room, not diving deep yet. Laugh, keep it light, and let a few people share. If your group is quiet, share your own answer first to model vulnerability and set the tone.
SECTION 2: SCRIPTURE READING
⏱ Suggested Time: 5–10 minutes
Ask someone to read each passage aloud. Encourage the group to follow along in their Bibles or on their phones.
Primary Passage: The Fig Tree
"In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but leaves. And he said to it, 'May no fruit ever come from you again.' And the fig tree withered at once. When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, 'How did the fig tree wither at once?'"
— Matthew 21:18-20 (ESV)
Jesus on Faith and Mountains
"And Jesus answered them, 'Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, "Be taken up and thrown into the sea," it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.'"
— Matthew 21:21-22 (ESV)
The Parable of the Tenants (Summary passage — read or paraphrase)
"There was a master of a house who planted a vineyard and put a fence around it and dug a winepress in it and built a tower and leased it to tenants, and went into another country... He sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit... Finally he sent his son to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.' But when the tenants saw the son, they said to themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and have his inheritance.'... When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he was speaking about them."
— Matthew 21:33-38, 45 (ESV, condensed)
The Fruit of the Spirit (Referenced in the sermon's application)
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
— Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)
The Vine and the Branches (Referenced in the sermon's application)
"I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
— John 15:5 (ESV)
[Leader Tip] After reading, you might simply ask: "Before we dig in — what's one word or phrase that jumped out at you from these passages?" This is a low-pressure way to get everyone engaged right from the start.
SECTION 3: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
⏱ Suggested Time: 30–45 minutes
Work through as many of these as time allows. Questions are organized from lighter/observational to deeper/personal. You don't need to cover all of them — choose what fits your group best.
THEME 1: Fruit vs. Leaves — What Does "Looking Alive" Actually Mean?
(Questions 1–3)
Question 1 (Observational — Good for opening discussion)
The pastor described the fig tree as a tree that was "advertising" something it couldn't actually deliver — it had leaves, which signaled fruit, but had none. In what ways do you think people today — even Christians — can fall into the same pattern of looking fruitful without actually being fruitful?
[Leader Tip] This question is intentionally broad and a bit general to start. Encourage people to think about culture, social media, church culture, or their own experience. Avoid letting this become a session of judging others — gently redirect toward self-reflection if needed.
Question 2 (Interpretive)
The pastor pointed out that the disciples asked "how" the tree withered instead of "why." Why do you think that's significant? What difference does it make whether we focus on how God works versus why he does what he does?
Question 3 (Personal)
The pastor described the religious leaders as people who were "protecting their pretty leaves" — keeping up appearances while their roots were rotten. Without going into anyone else's story, have you ever found yourself going through the motions of faith — showing up, saying the right things — but feeling disconnected on the inside? What does that season feel like?
[Leader Tip] This is the first personally vulnerable question. Model honesty if you can — sharing your own experience briefly gives others permission to do the same. If the group is quiet, try: "Even if you haven't experienced this personally, what do you think makes it easy to slip into that pattern?"
THEME 2: Stewardship vs. Ownership — Who's Really in Charge?
(Questions 4–5)
Question 4 (Interpretive)
In the Parable of the Tenants, the problem wasn't that the vineyard was failing — it was that the tenants wanted to own what they were only meant to steward. The pastor connected this all the way back to the Garden of Eden, where the serpent tempted Adam and Eve with the same lie: "You can be in charge of your own destiny." Where do you see that same temptation showing up in everyday life today — the desire to own rather than steward?
Question 5 (Application)
The pastor said: "The tenants wanted the blessing of the vineyard without submission to the owner." That's a convicting line. What are some areas of life — our careers, relationships, finances, families, even our faith — where we might be tempted to want God's blessings without actually surrendering control to him?
[Leader Tip] This question can go deep quickly. Give people a moment to think before anyone answers. It's okay to have a brief silence — it usually means people are genuinely reflecting. You might also gently invite quieter group members: "Does anyone else want to add to that?"
THEME 3: Faith and Mountains — What Does Real Trust Look Like?
(Questions 6–7)
Question 6 (Interpretive + Personal)
The pastor unpacked Jesus's teaching about "moving mountains" in a way that might surprise some people. He said faith isn't about God removing every obstacle — sometimes faith means trusting God while you're still climbing the mountain, or even while you're digging through it with a spoon. Which of these pictures of faith resonates most with where you are right now in your life, and why?
- Faith that moves the mountain (God removes the obstacle)
- Faith that carries you over the mountain (God gives you strength)
- Faith that walks you through the mountain (God stays with you in the long haul)
- Faith that digs through the mountain with a spoon (slow, hard, faithful obedience)
[Leader Tip] This question works really well because it gives people a concrete choice to respond to rather than a blank canvas. It also naturally invites personal stories. Be prepared for some meaningful sharing here — have a box of tissues nearby if your group is emotionally open.
Question 7 (Application)
The pastor made this powerful statement: "Our faith is not ultimately in a God who removes every temporary obstacle on our demands. Our faith is in a God who has already defeated the greatest enemy." How does the resurrection change the way you face the "mountains" in your life right now? What difference does it make to know that death itself has already been defeated?
THEME 4: Roots — Where Is Your Life Connected?
(Questions 8–9)
Question 8 (Interpretive)
The pastor pointed to John 15:5 — "I am the vine; you are the branches... apart from me you can do nothing." He said the reason the religious leaders had no fruit was because they had the wrong roots: "roots of self, roots of pride, roots of religion." What's the difference between having roots in religion and having roots in a relationship with Jesus? How can you tell the difference in someone's life — or in your own?
Question 9 (Personal + Community)
The pastor closed with a challenge to spend five minutes each day this week doing a "fruit evaluation" — asking God about one fruit of the Spirit each day: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Looking at that list right now, which one of those fruits do you feel most connected to in your life? Which one feels most absent or underdeveloped? You don't have to go deep — even just naming it can be powerful.
[Leader Tip] This is a great question to go around the circle with, giving everyone a chance to share briefly. It's low-pressure (people just name a fruit, not explain their whole life situation), but it often opens up surprising and meaningful conversations. You might share yours first.
SECTION 4: PERSONAL APPLICATION
⏱ Suggested Time: 10–15 minutes
These questions are more reflective and personal. You can use them as a group discussion, ask people to journal quietly for a few minutes before sharing, or send them home as a personal reflection for the week.
1. The Inspection Question
The pastor asked: "What would Jesus find if he came and inspected your life right now?" Sit with that question honestly for a moment. Not with guilt or shame — but with openness. What's one area where you sense God might be gently saying, "I'm looking for fruit here, not just leaves"?
2. The Ownership Question
Is there an area of your life where you've been acting more like an owner than a steward — trying to control something that really belongs to God? What would it look like to release that area to him this week?
3. The Root Question
Based on what you heard Sunday and what we've discussed today, what's one practical thing you could do this week to stay more deeply connected to Jesus — not just doing more Christian activities, but actually abiding in him?
4. The Honesty Question (Optional — for groups with high trust)
The pastor said, "Jesus will never fix what we're not willing to face." Is there something in your life right now that you've been avoiding facing honestly — with God or with others? What would it take to bring that into the light?
[Leader Tip] You don't need to use all four of these. Choose one or two that feel most relevant to your group's conversation. If the group has gone deep in the discussion section, a single quiet moment of reflection followed by one sharing question may be more powerful than working through all four.
SECTION 5: THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Share this with your group before closing in prayer
The Daily Fruit Check
Based on the pastor's challenge from the sermon
This week, spend 5 minutes each day asking God about one fruit of the Spirit in your life. Use this simple guide:
| Day | Fruit | Prayer Prompt |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Love | "God, where is love growing in my life — and where is it missing?" |
| Tuesday | Joy | "God, is my joy rooted in you, or in my circumstances?" |
| Wednesday | Peace | "God, where am I anxious or striving instead of trusting you?" |
| Thursday | Patience | "God, where do I need more patience — with others, with myself, with you?" |
| Friday | Kindness & Goodness | "God, who needs kindness from me this week that I've been withholding?" |
| Saturday | Faithfulness & Gentleness | "God, where am I being faithful? Where am I being harsh?" |
| Sunday | Self-Control | "God, what area of my life needs more surrender and less self-reliance?" |
Additional Application Options
Choose one that fits where you are:
🌱 If you're new to faith: Read John 15:1-11 this week and reflect on what it means to "abide" in Jesus. What does that look like practically in your daily life?
🌿 If you've been a Christian for a while: Ask someone you trust — a spouse, close friend, or mentor — "Where do you see real fruit in my life? Where do you think I might be showing leaves without fruit?" Be willing to hear their honest answer.
🌳 If you're in a season of growth: Take 30 minutes this week to journal through the Parable of the Tenants (Matthew 21:33-46) and ask: "Where in my life am I acting like a tenant who wants ownership? What would full surrender to the Owner look like?"
SECTION 6: PRAYER FOCUS
⏱ Suggested Time: 5–10 minutes
Suggested Prayer Topics Use any or all of these as a guide for closing your group in prayer:
Authenticity — Pray for courage to be honest with God and ourselves about the gap between our appearance and our reality.
Fruitfulness — Ask God to produce genuine fruit in your lives — not through striving, but through staying connected to Jesus.
Surrender — Pray for the grace to release ownership of the areas of life we've been trying to control, and to trust God as the owner.
Mountains — Invite group members to briefly name a "mountain" they're facing right now. Pray over each one together.
Roots — Ask God to deepen your roots in Jesus — not just in religious activity, but in genuine relationship with him.
Prayer Format Options
- Open Prayer — Invite anyone who wants to pray aloud to do so, closing with a leader prayer
- Popcorn Prayer — Ask each person to pray one sentence related to one of the topics above
- Responsive Prayer — Leader prays, group responds together with "Lord, produce fruit in us"
- Silent + Closing — Give 2 minutes of silence for personal prayer, then close aloud as a group
[Leader Tip] If your group includes people who are new to faith or uncomfortable praying aloud, always give people the option to pray silently. You might say: "Feel free to pray silently or aloud — both are completely welcome here." Never put someone on the spot to pray publicly.
SECTION 7: OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
For groups with extra time or who want to explore further ⏱ Suggested Time: 10–15 minutes additional
Deep Dive Question 1 — Old Testament Roots
The pastor mentioned that the Parable of the Tenants echoes a passage from Isaiah 5, where God compares Israel to a vineyard he planted and cared for. Read Isaiah 5:1-7 together. What similarities do you notice between Isaiah's vineyard song and Jesus's parable in Matthew 21? What does it tell you about God's patience — and his expectations — when he invests in people?
(Isaiah 5:1-7 is included below for reference)
"Let me sing for my beloved my love song concerning his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. He dug it and cleared it of stones, and planted it with choice vines; he built a watchtower in the midst of it, and hewed out a wine vat in it; and he looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes... For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are his pleasant planting; and he looked for justice, but behold, bloodshed; for righteousness, but behold, an outcry!" — Isaiah 5:1-2, 7 (ESV)
Deep Dive Question 2 — The Two Sons
Jesus told a short parable just before the Parable of the Tenants — about two sons (Matthew 21:28-32). One said "no" but later obeyed; the other said "yes" but never followed through. The pastor said: "Faith is not about saying the right thing. It's about trusting the Father enough to actually do what he asks." In your experience, which pattern is more common — and more dangerous — in Christian communities today? Why?
Deep Dive Question 3 — Authority and Ownership
The religious leaders asked Jesus, "By what authority are you doing these things?" (Matthew 21:23). The pastor observed that instead of defending his authority, Jesus shifted the conversation to ownership — pointing out that the real problem wasn't his credentials, but their stewardship. What does this tell us about how Jesus handles challenges to his authority? And what does it reveal about where the real spiritual battles in our lives are often fought?
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR LEADERS
Related Scriptures for Further Study
- Psalm 1:1-3 — The image of a tree planted by streams of water, bearing fruit in season
- Luke 13:6-9 — Another parable of a fruitless fig tree (with an interesting twist)
- James 2:14-17 — Faith without works is dead
- Romans 8:5-9 — Living according to the Spirit vs. the flesh
- Colossians 1:10 — Bearing fruit in every good work
Key Concepts Explained Simply
(For facilitators who want quick background)
"Fig Tuesday" — The name given to Tuesday of Holy Week based on this encounter between Jesus and the fig tree. Each day of Holy Week had a distinct theme and purpose in Jesus's final week before the crucifixion.
The Fig Tree — In first-century Israel, a fig tree with leaves was expected to have small early figs as well. The tree's leaves were essentially a public announcement that fruit was available. A leafy tree with no fruit was, in a sense, making a false promise.
"Moving Mountains" — A common expression in Jewish teaching referring to overcoming enormous obstacles. A great rabbi was sometimes called a "rooter up of mountains." Jesus was using familiar language his audience would have recognized, while pointing to something far greater than human wisdom.
The Parable of the Tenants — This parable is widely understood as an allegory: God is the vineyard owner, Israel is the vineyard, the servants are the prophets, and the son is Jesus himself. The religious leaders understood this, which is why they wanted to arrest him immediately after he told it.
Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) — These nine qualities are described as the natural result of a life connected to the Holy Spirit — not a checklist to achieve, but evidence of genuine spiritual life. They're fruit, not works.
Handling Difficult Moments in Discussion
If someone shares that they've been "faking it" for a long time:
Respond with grace, not alarm. Simply acknowledge their honesty: "Thank you for sharing that — it takes courage to say that out loud." After the group, check in with them personally. The pastor mentioned that people could speak with him or pray at the cross — remind your group that your church has pastoral support available.
If discussion stalls:
Try: "What's one word from today's passage that's sticking with you and why?" or "Is there something from Sunday's message that you're still wrestling with?"
If someone becomes defensive about the topic of "religious appearance":
Gently redirect: "It's easy for this topic to feel like it's about others. What might God be saying to each of us personally through this passage?"
If a newer believer feels overwhelmed:
Reassure them: "This passage isn't meant to make us feel condemned — Jesus is actually inviting us into something better. What's the most encouraging thing you heard in today's message?"
This discussion guide was prepared for small group use based on the sermon "Fig Tuesday" from Matthew 21. Permission granted for local church use.
May your group experience not just the knowledge of this passage, but the fruit of it — together.