The Fig Tree

The fig tree strove for perfection
Its leaves grew large and green
But after many seasons of inspection
Not a fruit was ever seen

As much as it might try
To impress and attract
It was as a lie
A counterfeit in fact

Jesus passed by its shade

And saw what could not be hid

It used not God's Light

To help others be fed

Jesus was probably thinking of the Pharisees and Sanhedrin and about the Jewish tradition of cleaning house of leaven bread. 

Verse 1] The fig tree strove for perfection Its leaves grew large and green But after many seasons of inspection Not a fruit was ever seen As much as it might try To impress and attract It was as a lie A counterfeit in fact [Pre-Chorus] Jesus stood at its shade And saw what could not be hid What grew for show alone Could not feed the kids [Chorus] Fruit was never seen Fruit was never seen Make me true and clean Fruit was never seen [Verse 2] It used not God's Light To help others be fed Just broad, empty branches And promise instead So search me deep, Lord Where my roots have gone cold Don’t let me look full And be empty in soul [Pre-Chorus] Jesus stood at its shade And saw what could not be hid What grows for show alone Could not feed the kids [Chorus] Fruit was never seen Fruit was never seen Make me true and clean Fruit was never seen [Bridge] Let mercy make me fruitful Let truth run through my veins If You plant Your life in me Let my seasons change Not for looks, not for praise Not to be seen by men But to carry Your goodness Again and again [Final Chorus] Fruit was never seen Fruit was never seen Make me true and clean Fruit was never seen Fruit was never seen Fruit was never seen Jesus, make me clean Fruit that others need

A fig tree with lush leaves but no fruit is a "counterfeit" that fails to nourish- referencing Jesus cursing the barren fig tree in Matthew 21.

Christian plea for inner authenticity, mercy, and bearing real spiritual fruit to benefit others rather than seeking outward appearances.