Initiate

A video introduction using illustrations, personal stories, metaphors, or active learning examples to begin the discussion.

Interact

After the video, prompts are supplied for thinking and sharing with others personal perception and experience. This opening activity prompts participants to think about and relate to the topic, and to share with others. 

There is a perfect time for the right thing. Timing is almost everything. What is the best for you?
 
Part 1: Food Choices  
When you are hungry, what is the best food for the following situations?  

1. Breakfast: What foods give you the energy to start your day?  
2. Lunch: What kind of meal keeps you energized through the afternoon?  
3. Supper: What makes for a satisfying evening meal?  
4. Midnight Snacks: What do you choose for a late-night craving?  

Part 2: Drink Choices  
What is the best drink for these specific situations?  

1. After a five-mile hike in the summer: What refreshes and rehydrates you most effectively?  
2. When feeling the symptoms of a cold: What soothes and helps you feel better?  
3. While studying: What keeps you focused and alert?  
4. While watching a movie: What pairs well with a relaxing activity?  

There is a time, and a perfect choice, that will produce the best experience ever! We are not talking about food or drink. Look for a sense of God’s purpose and timing in the things going on in your life. Have faith that God knows what He is doing. 
 

Insight

The Bible discussion begins with a careful reading of the whole passage, either from your own Bibles, or from the provided images below.

Then participants are to ask:

1. What is going on in this passage of Scripture?
2. What are the key words and phrases? Highlight them.
3. Why do you think this passage is included in the Bible?
4. What does it contribute to our “knowing Christ” and “living in Christ”?

Read Matthew 21:18-22:

Jesus Curses a Fig Tree

18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.

21 Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Download a PDF of Matthew 21:18-22

The fig tree symbolizes Israel, which was called to be a blessing to the world but failed to produce the spiritual fruit God desired. Just as the tree was expected to bear fruit, we are called to fulfill our God-given purpose by bearing visible, lasting fruit in our lives. 

Examine Jesus’ response to the tree! What just happened? While His actions may seem harsh, Jesus’ judgment on the tree demonstrates the seriousness of His mission. His life and ministry were not random; they reflected God’s perfect timing and purpose. This moment challenges us to examine whether we live with intentionality and conviction. 

Consider a faith that expects greater possibilities. Jesus uses the withered tree to teach His disciples about faith and greater works (John 14:12). His invitation is to believe in and act on the extraordinary possibilities God can achieve through us. 

Are you ready to flourish? Jesus expects us not just to agree with truths but to actively grow in grace and reflect God’s goodness. Are we flourishing in our walk with Christ, or merely existing? 

How are you answering this call to fruitfulness in your life?