The mountain of dead worship they saw in the temple. Maybe you came here this morning and didnt even know you had this mountain of religiosity blocking your worship. Christianity is not about dreary outward appearances but fruit bearing life the makes us rejoice and brings glory to God. Spiritually the Jews would be dead for almost 1900 years until they regained a small portion of their homeland in 1948. Upon reaching the tree, all He finds are leaves; the tree had produced no fruit. However, this tree had no fruit. Were the clones forced to follow Order 66? Since the fig tree is a characteristic symbol for Israel in the OT, most scholars understand the cursing of the tree in tandem with the "cleansing" of the temple as a declaration of judgment. You get his atoning death. What to know before you start working at Starbucks? It didnt happen all at once. One day, Chuck Smith showed up to find a sign hanging on the door. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. But cant follow through because you are ashamed? The Jewish people felt their actions, deeds, and the states of their hearts were righteous despite God pointing out their sins. 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.". PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. What is the purpose for you drawing breath, eating food and taking up space on this planet? Marks presentation makes the connection between the incident with the fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple more explicit. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. What happened to the fig tree in the Book of Matthew? But he doesnt only reveal whats there; he does something about it. You can find her on GodUpdates, iBelieve, Crosswalk, Hello Darling, Focus On The Family, and in Brio Magazine. Jesus was saying that these poor people were just like everyone else. And they can make a positive difference in your life. 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. They were human, with weaknesses and strengths like everyone else. Why settle for anything less when we can have real righteousness? What does the story of the fig tree mean? And seeing a fig tree(In Mt 21:19, it is "one fig tree," but the sense is the same as here, "a certain fig tree," as in Mt 8:19, &c.). Cut it down! This falseness is the essence of hypocrisy. People suffer loss of property, lands and rights because of actions taken by others with little thought about what's right or wrong or just. When they were stepped on, they stuck to the bottom of their feet. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 fertilization of the fig tree in this parable may represent Jesus' sacrifice for sin during the crucifixion. You have a "place." Every year, we take a trip to Kansas City to visit our best friends. The fig tree could be understood as symbolic of Israel Joel 2:21-25. Thats what Jesus wants for his disciples. It takes time and care to nurture and develop. Throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree held spiritual value as a symbol for Israel, serving as a metaphor for their standing with God. What does Mark 11:13 mean? In Mark, a day passes between the cursing of the fig tree and the disciples discovery of what happened to it; in Matthew, the effect is immediate. American King James Version). American King James Version). The fact is, he didnt really harm the tree at all. Fig leaves then signify sins; and Nathanael, when he was under the fig tree, was under the shadow of death: . All rights reserved. They may even be able to move mountains, though that is arguably a bit of hyperbole on his part. Likewise, the absence or death of a fig tree would symbolize judgment and rejection. If Gods church is a house of prayera house of worshipthen everyone is welcome. Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Every one of them. What does the Bible say about the parable of the fig tree? Don't be discouraged! These new God-seekers walked into the church building with oil on their feet and it got all over the carpet. In this case, its true worship. To go into your backyard and pick your own fruit you watched develop and ripen is both instructive and rewarding. So, thankfully, the fig is not cursed. The Passage: Matt. We know what the temple leaders were really like. At the beginning of Luke 13 we see where Christ had been informed about some "Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices" (Luke 13:1 Luke 13:1There were present at that season some that told him of the Galilaeans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.American King James Version). The account of Jesus cursing the barren fig tree is found in two different gospel accounts. Jesus replaced the temple as the object of faith in God. What appeared full of life was actually lifeless. What is the significance of fig trees in the bible? The only thing keeping some us from him right now is our prideful religiosity, our false conception of ourselves, our self-righteousness. Lucky Peepal Tree (Fig Tree): A symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity, and good luck, this tree is often found around Buddhist shrines. After reading about it in her Bible, my daughter-in-law once asked me why Jesus cursed a fig tree. The implications of all this for Temple-based Judaism would have been obvious to Marks audience. Because you and I have a great need to be near to God. 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. The cursing of the fig tree in Mark and Matthew and the parallel story in Luke are thus symbolically directed against the Jews, who did not accept Jesus as king. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. (12-14) Jesus curses a fig tree. Let me propose something for us here at Refuge. But lets take this out of the merely historical realm because this applies to us too. But only the priests could go inside the Holy Place. 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). He doesnt want us to be whitewashed tombs. We know that the restoration will be a spiritual revival, and all his people greeting their Messiah Yeshua, saying Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, or Welcome Yeshua, our Messiah! Come, Lord Jesus, and find us ready! The fig tree prophecy is a reference to part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse recorded in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. Jesus's Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26). But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. Its the fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi 3:1-2. On His morning walk to Jerusalem, Jesus has approached a fig tree to see if it has any fruit available to eat. We need only look to the cross to find that truth. It covered our sins and in return, He wants to see each of us adding to the Kingdom of God with our hearts, our speech, and in all that we do. He said it shows Jesus as a furious man unable to control his anger, not worthy of the supposed Son of God.. This is Jesus offer to come into your dead religious heart and drive out what doesnt belong. In this case, there was a command miracle by which Christ spoke words that would . Mt. The leaders should have been there to help but their heart wasnt in it. The fig tree that you cursed has withered. 22And Jesus answered them, Have faith in God. Marks presentation makes the connection between the incident with the fig tree and the cleansing of the Temple more explicit. Question: "Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?". Hollow religion is actually hard to spot, especially when the focus is turned on ourselves. This article is part of our larger resource library of popular Bible parables. The temple had four main sections. It is possible to consider that the flourishing of figs today in Israel is a Messianic sign in itself the people are back in the land, the fig trees are abundant and plentiful, and the nation is now waiting for restoration to come. Christ meant it in the same way He used it when first preaching the gospel of the Kingdom of God as quoted in Mark 1:15 Mark 1:15And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel.American King James Version: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Jesus answered and said to him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. Who can endure? And just as it cost Jesus, it might cost us. Hes bigger than your sin. Most scholars today believe that Jesus' ministry lasted three and a half years. When it doesn't, He declares that no one will eat from it again. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. But if they leave the church because we make it hard for them to worship God, thats between God and us. You might even need to go to a dictionary to look up the meaning. And Jesus answering said to them, Suppose you that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? It was like the Pharisees who professed to be very religious, but whose lives were fruitless. Its an offer to find total cleansing before God, in him alone. Because there was this hypocritical fig tree in Bethany that was going to serve as an object lesson about the hypocritical temple in Jerusalem. He is the meeting place. Thats the heart of Jesus. And you dont even have to deserve it. He had to confront it. Those who stay united with me, and I with them, are the ones who bear much fruit; because apart from me you cant do a thing. A vinekeeper holds out hope that a barren fig tree will bear fruit next year. 6 Why did Jesus curse a fig tree (Mark 11-12-14)? The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey. And the prophet Jeremiah-whom Jesus quotes as He cleanses the temple-has this to say about God's coming judgment: "I will take away their harvest," declares the Lord. Theres a great example of this from the 1960s. We have a hunger for true worship, and if we go to a dead temple looking for spiritual fruit, were going to be disappointed and left hungry. That is the key thought here. The parable of the barren fig tree is a parable of Jesus recorded in the Gospel of Luke 13:69. Trees provide a framework for the biblical story of us. Both accounts are examples of the importance of the biblical and cultural context in understanding the words and deeds attributed to Jesus. And he said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." In Luke 13:2 Luke 13:2And Jesus answering said to them, Suppose you that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things?American King James VersionJesus responded to the news: "Do you suppose that these Galileans were worse sinners than all other Galileans, because they suffered such things? But it wasnt his final resting place. He blocks more harm from getting in. In Luke 13:6-9, we hear Jesus tell a parable about a barren fig tree that should make us pause. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Kind of weird, huh? Maybe hes cleaning some of us out right now. According to some researchers, the image is taken from the Old Testament symbol of the fig tree representing Israel, and the cursing of the fig tree in Mark and Matthew and the parallel story in Luke are thus symbolically directed against the Jews, who have not accepted Jesus as king. He doesnt care about how you come to him. He cares only that you come. And you know what that makes you? What Can We Learn from the Parable of the Fig Tree? And, of course, later on, it would grow ripe figs. 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. You may find that the Red Israel fig goes by many names including Khurtmani (as it is known in California) and Red Palestine. It looked good. Lets pick it up in verse 12. He saw a fig tree in leaf, but when he got to it, he saw no figs. But we can give that up. Fig trees produce two crops every year, but only one of them may be edible. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. We see the bloom appear and then the first buds of the fruit begin to grow and develop through the months. Why Did Jesus Curse a Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)? The story of the fig tree begins in the Garden of Eden, where YEHOVAH God had placed in the midst of the Garden two special trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This Bible study will examine these passages and provide two reasons why Jesus cursed the fig tree. He enjoys hunting, travel and reading and spending time with his grandchildren. 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. Normally, a leafy fig tree would be pleasing, since a fig tree in leaf indicates that it has ripe fruit. Jesus uses his miraculous powers to place a curse on the fig tree. That declaration will turn the tree into a withered mess (Mark 11:20). He says that Jesus found nothing but leaves, . And seeing from afar a fig tree having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He would find something on it. And there was a curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, representing the distance between the Holy God and sinful man. They may even be able to move mountains, though that is arguably a bit of hyperbole on his part. (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). Jesus was hungry. Whats going on in Isaiah 56? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Just like many people today say the right words, but do not live righteously. 21:18-21." If this is this meant to be the answer about Matthew 24:32-35 you should say so. It means that through this announcement a new order of life is at hand and we need to obtain a mind-set that fits. And then we will look at prayer in vs. 22-25. Thats why he returns to the fig tree, which is our next point. 20As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. Why Do We Need to Be Crucified with Christ? Cline, Austin. Jesus is not cursing the fig tree. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. There will be no grapes on the vine. We've seen that the fig tree represents blessing, well-being, and security. Its a dead tree, no matter how full the leaves are. Who of us hasnt? The unfruitful fig tree. But its up to us to rely on Jesus for the strength and wisdom to navigate what comes our way. And if it bears fruit, well. They looked so good to him. But stories and songs trick them and go aroundkind of like Jesus stories and lessons. You get his life of obedience. And, believe it or not, he actually wants to be near to us. Stay united with me, as I will with you for just as the branch cant put forth fruit by itself apart from the vine, so you cant bear fruit apart from me. The test of true worship is not merely how were feeling about God. A vinekeeper holds out hope that a barren fig tree will bear fruit next year. The fig tree you cursed has withered!" "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. It didnt produce fruit. This miracle, which can also be classified as a parable, is recorded in more detail in Mark than in Matthew. At a distance, Jesus sees a fig tree with leaves, and being hungry, He approaches it hoping to find some fruit, since a fig tree often produces figs earlier than it produces foliage. It was time to act. As a result, the temple was dead and worthless. [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that you shall cut it down. The key to understanding this valuable lesson is abiding in Christ. In John 2, Jesus said, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up (John 2:19). It also symbolizes fruitfulness. Showy religion is so boring. Peter pointed it out, and Jesus responded in a really interesting way. I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:4-5 Luke 13:4-5 [4] Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think you that they were sinners above all men that dwelled in Jerusalem? Israel was just like this fruitless fig tree. John 15:1-11 says: I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. What I have given them will be taken from them.'" Jeremiah 8:13 Didnt do anything. Restoring true worship cost nothing less than the life of Jesus. Look at verse 18. But we know the kind of good King he is, dont we? Sinners couldnt get close to God. By cursing the tree, Jesus simply stated the obvious. C.S. Then they rejected the Messiah because Jesus demanded a clean heart, a clean slate via repentance. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. It shows us a truth about God. Comment: The fig tree was deceptive due to its leaves. Look at verse 23. He overturns what doesnt belong. Comment: The fig tree was deceptive due to its leaves. When He talks about each us of us, His eyes shine as He takes pride in the work of our lives even when the work He is doing feels more like loss of life than actual living. Was it done in retaliation for an attack on the Romans, or was it just done on the whim of the Roman governor as a display of Roman ruthlessness to keep the locals in fear? Satisfaction is so important in this process that when there is no fruit you stand looking at the tree trying to understand why it has borne no fruit. Our self-righteousness it again us pause some us from him right now is our next.... Pointed it out, and my Father is the purpose for you drawing breath, eating and... Were under the fig tree mean best friends supposed Son of God regained a small portion of feet! 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