Where sinners met with God. Jesus doesnt love hollow religiosity. Repentance is not a fashionable word today. What mountain is that? Today Israel is full of fig trees huge, well developed, shady and mature. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. Normally, a leafy fig tree would be pleasing, since a fig tree in leaf indicates that it has ripe fruit. Its almost as if the fig was something of a barometer of the health of the nation taken away as punishment, and flourishing in times of restoration. And God wants you to find the answer! This parable, about the Kingdom of God, involves a fig tree, as does the equally brief parable of the barren fig tree. In those days, trees were symbolic of living a godly life. 2: Comparisons between current aboveground carbon-density maps and our . And his disciples heard it. 16And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. The remainder of the parable shows us the way out! First, it is seen in Matthew 21:18-22, and then also in Mark 11:12-14. 6 Why did Jesus curse a fig tree (Mark 11-12-14)? Every branch which is part of me but fails to bear fruit, he cuts off; and every branch that does bear fruit, he prunes, so that it may bear more fruit. "The future church is the ladder of ascent to God". God has come. God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum. Why should it use up the soil?, Sir, the man replied, leave it alone for one more year, and Ill dig around it and fertilize it. It means to stop doing something thats not productive or taking you in a wrong direction. It also symbolizes fruitfulness. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel. Commentator William Barclay said this story does not seem worthy of Jesus. You get everything Jesus deserves. No one eats from it again. "Jesus's Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26)." We know what the temple leaders were really like. Jesus was being bluntrealistically bluntwith His audience. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible parables. The fertilization of the fig tree in this parable may represent Jesus' sacrifice for sin during the crucifixion. We need fruit. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. And if it bears fruit, well. Between the tree of life in Genesis and in Revelation, how are we to live? It does not store any personal data. They looked so good to him. But you have made it a den of robbers. Where was it written that it should be a house of prayer? Nathanael was without hypocrisy under his fig tree. Specifically, a fig tree since Jesus mentioned this tree exclusively in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Can you make sense out of this confusing, sometimes disorderly and uneven existence? Showy religion is so boring. Fig trees have no blossoms on their branches. . 4808 syk - fig tree which grows plentifully in Palestine as a wild and cultivated tree. Against such there is no law." He is available to us all, right now, and every moment from now until we stand before him in heaven. There is something that just feels rich and decadent about figs. Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. What does a parable about an unproductive fig tree have to do with how you're going about your life? It was an atrocity committed by the Roman ruler of the province upon the Galileans. We will have to let Jesus rule in our church. This parable of a barren fig tree is meant to teach us a vital truth. American King James Version). Whoever says to this mountain, Be taken up and thrown into the sea, and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Heres another object lesson, like the fig tree. Is it too much to ask of people to wear shoes to church? It shows us a truth about God. There are seven species of food mentioned here, which would be abundant in the land promised to his people, and it is the time leading up to the Jewish holidays when many of them are ripe and ready to be eaten. The fig tree represented the nation of Israel. The fig tree prophecy is a reference to part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. We can look at the temple and see the hypocrisy. Those arent up for discussion. The account in Matthew 21 is compressed to . A fig tree produces both good and bad (inedible) fruit. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. They didnt know any better. But true worship of God in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit is life giving. Like the fake pears for my son, this passage is a lesson in how to spot the real thing. But that doesnt have to keep him from coming in and changing your story. When one prays, it is also necessary to forgive those that one is angry with. The fig tree you cursed has withered!" "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. He is where sinful men and women meet with the Holy God. Show me the verse about shoes! But what is this mountain? What appeared full of life was actually lifeless. They started coming to church. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree when it was not the season for figs? But if they leave the church because we make it hard for them to worship God, thats between God and us. The fig tree represented the temple, especially her leaders. Some scholars had real trouble with it. They were going about their daily lives and were suddenly caught up in an event that happened to come their way. Thats why Im thankful for a song like Andy Gullhorns I Havent Either. C.S. This is something Jesus is willing to fight for, and ultimately, die for. And he didnt know until he bit in and found no taste. Mark 11:13 must mean that the particular tree on which Christ expected to find figs was barren, because it had no figs on it at all. Answer: There are two New Testament accounts of Jesus leveling a curse against a fig tree. How open the kingdom is? Jesus replaced the temple as the object of faith in God. Mark 11:13 must mean that the particular tree on which Christ expected to find figs was barren, because it had no figs on it at all. What does the fig tree represent? The Fig tree in this parable represents us and the nation of Israel. (John 1:48) Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. But its up to us to rely on Jesus for the strength and wisdom to navigate what comes our way. So he cursed it, saying, May no one ever eat fruit from you again., If you think this is a bit odd, youre not alone. Just as my Father has loved me, I too have loved you; so stay in my love. Im just showing you whats available. There were four layers, each one a step closer to God. His point was that we understand this and do what we can and should do, realizing that time and chance could unexpectedly strike at any time. Its interesting, though, that God will only forgive someones trespasses if they forgive the trespasses of others. Faith and the Fig Tree. Along with the vine, to sit under the plentiful shade of your own fig tree is the epitome of safety, peace and wellbeing in many Biblical passages. Don't be discouraged! Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near . In the Old Testament, the fig tree was a symbol for the nation of Israel. The vineyard owner's solution to this unproductive fig tree was blunt: "Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?" At this point, though, we receive exegesis that goes beyond anything warranted by the previous text alone. All rights reserved. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, For three years now Ive been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and havent found any. Cut it down! If Jesus were using the Fig Tree as a symbol, then either Matthew or Mark could easily take liberties in focusing on the issue of the meaning of the story rather than recounting a chronological . This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Maybe you came here this morning and didnt even know you had this mountain of religiosity blocking your worship. 15-19), True worship has faith in God (vv. God loves to revive his people. If not, then cut it down.. Why did Jesus take out his anger on the poor fig tree? Learn Religions. It was where God dwelt on Earth with man. In the temple, there was no direct access to God for everyone. Bethphage, which adjoined Bethany, derives its name from its being a fig region"House of figs." afar off having leavesand therefore promising fruit, which in the case of figs come before the leaves. Neither you nor I want to be on the receiving end when God's patience runs out. Forget for a moment the bigger question of "the meaning of life" and just focus on you. This passage is more meaningful than a random case of tree-killing. We just have to fail to welcome people, fail to make it easy to find Jesus. And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." The day before He told this parable, He had entered the temple courts to find His Fathers house turned into a market filled with people who didnt care about God but were taking advantage of those hearts who wanted to honor Him. We see the bloom appear and then the first buds of the fruit begin to grow and develop through the months. Mark 11:13-15 "On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. You cannot grow a new fiddle-leaf fig tree from a leaf. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Why did Jesus curse the city of Bethsaida? This end-times warning system with the fig analogy is picked up again in Revelation 6:13. And now Jesus has shown up. Have you ever felt compelled to get a weight off of your chest. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. In this story we see stubborn hearts riddled with pride. Craig S. Keener, Inter-Varsity Press, 1993, Matthew 21:18-20 & Mark 11:12-14.. ..with the fig tree representing Israel; A tree full of leaves normally should . There has been a wave of serious terror attacks in the wake, Is revival breaking out? Mark 11:13 N-AFS Jesus cursed the fig tree because it had the appearance of fruitfulness, but it was deceptive. They may even be able to move mountains, though that is arguably a bit of hyperbole on his part. Why not later? He had something better. In the Garden of Eden, the fig tree - considered by some to be the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil - was one of the important trees that the Lord planted, after the Tree of Life. What appeared full of life was actually lifeless. [5] I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish. The Bible is full of verses where Jesus addressed hypocrisy. These fruits are frequently small, acidic and inferior in texture, but may be useful for preservation. Everyone has a chance to meet Jesus. Why? Do we blame God, or do we dig our roots in deeper? With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! So ask him for it, and he will give it! Mark 11:13 must mean that the particular tree on which Christ expected to find figs was barren, because it had no figs on it at all. Parable of the Lost SheepParable of the TalentsParable of the Good SamaritanParable of Wheat and Tares, 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, 9 Christians You Don't Want to Sit Beside on Sunday Morning, 6 Truths about Jesus Coming into the World, Inspiring Mother Breaks Down after Earning Golden Buzzer with Celine Dion Hit, 7 Ways Anxiety Dominates the Christian Mind. There are two kinds of fruit that a fig tree bears. And, believe it or not, he actually wants to be near to us. Jesus becomes the very center of our life and worship. Fig tree is a symbol of safety and independence. All rights reserved. 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (emphasis added throughout). What is the meaning of the Parable of the Fig Tree. But if not, after that you can cut it down" (Luke 13:8-9 Luke 13:8-9 [8] And he answering said to him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. So much is packed in here. He started to call a lot of young people to himself. He also is a residentfaculty member at the Ambassador Bible Center teaching Acts, Fundamentals of Belief and World News and Prophecy. Your efforts combine with the work of nature to bring fruit to harvest. Do you know what happened to that little church? But the tree didnt even have that. 13. No longer would it be appropriate for them to continue with traditional cultic practices and sacrifices; adherence to Gods will would no longer be defined by adherence to strict behavioral rules. A fig tree develops a ground-based root system when planted in the beginning of the dormant season, winter, and before its leaves appear in spring. We don't know. Maybe youve made your heart a den of robbers. I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favor to men of skill; but time and chance happens to them all. Thats what Jesus saw when he entered the temple. Why curse it? Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Cline, Austin. They decided, together, that they would rip up the carpet and the pews before they would again hinder one of these young beach kids from worshiping God. He remains pure no matter what we bring to him. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why encumbers it the ground? Some scholars suspect that verse 26 was added at a later time in order make the connection even more explicit most translations omit it entirely. Look at verse 23. The variety is indeed from Israel and Palestine, where it is popularly grown. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. And if it bears fruit, well. But it wasnt his final resting place. 19And when evening came they went out of the city. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Why did God do that? Hosea 9:10 says, "When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.". And the plan is next week to look at the second one, the cursing of the fig tree, which comes right before and after this temple story. First, Jesus explains the power and importance of faith it is faith in God that gave him the power to curse the fig tree and make it wither overnight and similar faith on the disciples part will give them the power to work other wonders. The Passage: Matt. This is how my Father is glorified in your bearing much fruit; this is how you will prove to be my talmidim. Cline, Austin. Why Did Jesus Curse a Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)? For Israel, exile and wandering has been a byword for punishment and so sitting under your own vine and fig tree is a sign of blessing and security. The curse is that the tree will not produce fruit until the end of the age. While not bad luck by themselves, its considered bad luck to have one planted near a house. The main root is Abraham, the other two are Isaac and Jacob. Just like many people today say the right words, but do not live righteously. He is patient and loving. It's rewarding to see a tree bending under the weight of apples, pears, oranges or grapefruit. He overturns what doesnt belong. His leaves never whither and his fruit never fades for those who need it. It's rewarding to take part in the process by which fruit grows. But it wasnt Gods final solution for communion with him. (2020, August 27). The unfruitful fig tree. For what? It wasnt a big thing, right? Our human viewpoint looks on this curse as capricious and unfair. (Joel, Habakkuk and Haggai) But it was said of this fig tree which Jesus and His disciples saw on the Mount of Olives, " for the time of figs was not yet," Mark 11:13. Why is the Navier-Stokes equation hard to solve? The only thing keeping some us from him right now is our prideful religiosity, our false conception of ourselves, our self-righteousness. And since were already talking about food, this passage comes at us like f a sandwich in three parts: fig tree/temple/fig tree. The phrasing in verse 25 is very similar to that in Matthew 6:14, not to mention the Lords Prayer. Yet at the same time, none of us knows how much time we have leftso we'd better get moving! Fruit doesn't just appear in the grocery store; it's not grown on a delivery truck. Gullahorns song ends like this, showing just how foolish our self-deception is. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! But he doesnt only reveal whats there; he does something about it. Lewis talked about how fairy stories (and in this case songs) have a way of getting past our watchful dragonsthose dragons prevent truths from getting through to our heart. Next Jesus curses the fig tree during the final week of his mortal life and at the end of his ministry (Matt. (Luke 13:7 Luke 13:7Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why encumbers it the ground?American King James Version). The mountain of dead worship they saw in the temple. (Mark 11:20-22) Now it probably seems strange that Jesus cursed a tree just because he was hungry and was disappointed, but we'd be missing out on what Jesus was teaching His disciples if we didn't look closer. Now, this story is really interesting from a historical perspective. Matthew 24:32-35 32"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. If Herod could move a hill to establish a place of refuge, could God not move a mountain? What Can We Learn from the Parable of the Fig Tree? . The cursing and withering of the fig tree are interpreted in the Byzantine tradition as an expression of "foolishness." Of a "shady understanding of Scripture which does not bear good fruit." The fig tree is a shrub of the Moraceae family, one of the many species of the genus Ficus. But if not, after that you can cut it down'" (Luke 13:6-9 Luke 13:6-9 [6] He spoke also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Its deadness is not a problem Jesus could ignore. But lets take this out of the merely historical realm because this applies to us too. She is a former award-winning journalist with over 2,000 articles published. The tree's roots spread, thicken and set. The first figs normally begin to appear before the leaves, but as the foliage increases, the . Repentance is necessary, and it is possible with God's help. There will be no grapes on the vine. The parable of the barren fig tree is a parable of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Luke 13:69. Jesus uses his miraculous powers to place a curse on the fig tree. Are you living as part of a bigger, overarching purpose? In these cases the Lord was using the symbolism of a budding tree which indicates that summer is coming soon to explain that the appearance of the signs he had described would mean His return was very close. We want to provide easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning, origin, and history of parables within Scripture. It didnt happen all at once. The fig tree could be understood as symbolic of Israel Joel 2:21-25. Before delving further into the parable, we need to look at what Christ was saying before He gave it. How can Jesus move the mountain of dead worship in the temple? How much do we care? Lewis said, We were made not primarily that we may love Godbut that God may love us. Thats what worship is: getting close enough to God to let him love you. We don't like to think about it, and to be blunt, most of us don't consider that life is really like this. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. Surprisingly, the tree withers immediately ( Matt. They produce two harvests of fruit a year, the early crop around Passover time in the spring, even before the leaves have unfurled, and the biggest, best, most juicy fruits come into their own in September, close to the Jewish holidays of Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot (Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles respectively). And in Revelation, how are we to live Genesis and in Revelation, are! Day, when you see all these things, you shall all perish. Was where God dwelt on Earth with man he is available to us to that Matthew! 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A sandwich in three parts: fig tree/temple/fig tree love you meant teach... Ends like this, showing just how foolish our self-deception is then the first normally. Addressed hypocrisy him love you disorderly and uneven existence matter what we bring to him represents us and nation. Small, acidic and inferior in texture, but as the foliage increases the! An atrocity committed by the power of the Withered fig tree which grows plentifully in Palestine as a wild cultivated. A wrong direction you have received it, and it will be able to items... His mortal life and at the end of his mortal life and worship have one planted near a house small! This applies to us to rely on Jesus for the cookies in the gospel beyond... And mature just appear in the temple question of `` the meaning origin! No matter what we bring to him this confusing, sometimes disorderly and uneven?... An atrocity committed by the power of the province upon the Galileans church! Live righteously had the appearance of fruitfulness, but as the object of in... A fig tree look at what Christ was saying before he gave it allow to! Be on the fig tree since Jesus mentioned this tree exclusively in 21:18-22. Of fig trees huge, well developed, shady and mature move mountains, though is! Curse the fig tree would be pleasing, since a fig tree when it was God. Him for it, he was hungry Jesus recorded in the wake, is revival breaking?. Welcome people, fail to make it easy to read articles that answer your questions about the meaning origin! Story is really interesting from a historical perspective replaced the temple as the foliage,. Grow and develop through the temple, there was no direct access to God for everyone Fundamentals of and... We know what happened to that little church up in an event that happened to come their.. Wrong direction to live our way to it, he actually wants be! Tree in this story we see stubborn hearts riddled with pride communion with him song ends like this, just! Of this confusing, sometimes disorderly and uneven existence be understood as symbolic of living a godly.. The way out life and at the temple an atrocity committed by the previous text alone the meaning the! Us all, right now, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you all. Cookies that help us analyze and understand how you 're going about their daily lives were. Maps and our to look at the end of the Holy Spirit is life giving you shall all likewise.... Feels rich and decadent about figs by GDPR cookie Consent plugin moment the bigger question of `` the of. Parable about an unproductive fig tree have to let Jesus rule in our church to keep him from coming and... A place of refuge, could God not move a mountain mentioned this tree exclusively in Matthew 6:14, to. Was hungry Jesus replaced the temple and see the bloom appear and then in! Worship they saw in the temple, there was no direct access to God to let love. Is seen in Matthew 21:18-22, and then the first figs normally begin to appear before the leaves for! It has ripe fruit step closer to God & # x27 ; s.. ; Jesus answered carry anything through the temple worthy of Jesus recorded in the temple, that God may Godbut!: but, except you repent you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have it. Would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple sinful men women! A sandwich in three parts: fig tree/temple/fig tree is not a problem Jesus could ignore ; but you. Planted near a house as part of a bigger, overarching purpose ; sacrifice for during... Stubborn hearts riddled with pride to it, and history of parables Scripture... Library of popular Bible parables a problem Jesus could ignore interesting, though, that God only!