But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. "Jesus's Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26)." It is important to note that the fig tree is not used as a figure of speech in this passage. The variety is indeed from Israel and Palestine, where it is popularly grown. American King James Versiondefines the kind of fruit God wants to see produced in our lives: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is described as God's vineyard, tree, or planting ( Judges 9:8-15; Isa. Who can stand? Why Did Jesus Curse a Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)? More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Because you and I have a great need to be near to God. So from Genesis to Revelation, the fig features strongly in scriptural symbolism. 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. Cline, Austin. 19And when evening came they went out of the city. The first figs normally begin to appear before the leaves, but as the foliage increases, the . Its interesting, though, that God will only forgive someones trespasses if they forgive the trespasses of others. In Luke 13:6-9, we hear Jesus tell a parable about a barren fig tree that should make us pause. "Jesus's Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26)." 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. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Therefore, the fig tree in this verse does not represent anything, it is a literal fig tree. The temple was 46 years in the making. As the story unfolds, we see God is disappointed because it lacked any fruit after caring for the tree for three years. These first couple of verses serve as the opening illustration into the main point later on. Fig. 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. Unless a person remains united with me, he is thrown away like a branch and dries up. And, of course, later on, it would grow ripe figs. And there was a curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, representing the distance between the Holy God and sinful man. 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? It also symbolizes fruitfulness. Why not earlier? Fruitlessness leads to judgment. As Jesus stated in parable: And his disciples heard it. Matthew 21:19; Mark 11:13. This is a hard solution, and a final one. Well, heres the rest of the story. Look at verse 23. The unfruitful fig tree. The "Fig-tree" is a New Testament symbol or figure of Israel and was used by Jesus Himself. They started coming to church. Why? They are what can be produced by God through our lives when we repent and believe the gospel, surrender ourselves to Him and allow our lives to be led by His Holy Spirit. We have an amazing capacity for self-deception and self-justification. All rights reserved. Its not enough, however, for someone to simply pray in order to receive things. The temple in Jerusalem was much the same. Do you know what happened to that little church? 1) "The fig tree was the metaphor YHVH associated with Israel, and the remnant of Israel - Judea and Jerusalem. This end-times warning system with the fig analogy is picked up again in Revelation 6:13. Below is what Jesus said: "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. 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. It will take some heart-searching for us to get to Jesus. So it wasnt the season for figs, but the leaves indicated it was the season for these little nubs. He poured out his Spirit. Fig tree is a symbol of safety and independence. First, it is seen in Matthew 21:18-22, and then also in Mark 11:12-14. Time and chance happen to everyone, Solomon once wrote (Ecclesiastes 9:11 Ecclesiastes 9:11I 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.American King James Version). Heres why thats so significant. 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. So when they passed by the fig tree again and it had withered away to its roots. But cant follow through because you are ashamed? Fruit trees require lot of care and proper handling to continue producing luscious fruit year in and year out. Yet at the same time, none of us knows how much time we have leftso we'd better get moving! All you need is honesty and openness to admit that your Christianity has been a show, and ask him for the real thing. 12On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Didnt do anything. It looked good. We don't know. We're not told whether there was any provocation. The "fig tree" of Matthew 24:32 does not symbolize the reestablishment of the State of Israel in 1948. It isn't that the tree is dead and incapable of producing. And he didnt know until he bit in and found no taste. If you remain united with me, and my words with you, then ask whatever you want, and it will happen for you. Who can endure? However, this tree had no fruit. Repentance is not a fashionable word today. Lucky Peepal Tree (Fig Tree): A symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity, and good luck, this tree is often found around Buddhist shrines. The blossom is inside of the fruit! The fig tree was valued first of all for its delicious, sweet fruit (Judges 9:11). In this case, there was a command miracle by which Christ spoke words that would . It was like the fig treefull of leaf but without fruit. Cursing the fig tree was Jesus' way of displaying that the whole nation had become spiritually empty. He will come to you not with cursing but with blessing. Throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree held spiritual value as a symbol for Israel, serving as a metaphor for their standing with God. 33Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it e is near, right at the door. The fig tree symbolizes the deadness of Israels worship. 1. If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love just as I have kept my Fathers commands and stay in his love. Some varieties (like Black Mission) actually have two seasons: the early summer season produces fruit on old tree branches, and the late-summer/fall season produces fruit on new branches. Do we realize what God has done in Jesus Christ? 21:18-21." If this is this meant to be the answer about Matthew 24:32-35 you should say so. The fruit it was not producing was true worship of God as outlined in the Law and the fact they would reject Jesus and arrange His death. You could eat these, and travelers often did. Like the fake pears for my son, this passage is a lesson in how to spot the real thing. What does the fig tree represent in John 1? But the Jewish people were offended at the idea they needed to repent. Who of us hasnt? A thick, reddish skin covers these large figs that usually weigh in around 80 grams. Is. The Gentiles could enter the outer court. The apostle Paul explains here that these qualities are the fruit of God's Spirit. It was definitely identified as Jerusalem in Matt. We need another wayanother tree from which to eat. The fig tree could be understood as symbolic of Israel Joel 2:2125. It did not fulfill its purpose, and as any diligent orchardist would do, Jesus simply eliminated an unproductive tree, not with an ax or a saw, but by faith. First of all, we see the figs in the garden of Eden covering up the shame of Adam and Eve. Cresting the Mount of Olives in Bethany, they saw a citadel built by Herod the Great for refuge in case of war. Our human viewpoint looks on this curse as capricious and unfair. And in Jesus, it could not be easier. And Jesus answering said to them, Suppose you that these Galilaeans were sinners above all the Galilaeans, because they suffered such things? 21:18-19 ). God brought revival. The fig tree was used elsewhere in scripture symbolically for leaders (Judges 9:10-11), fortifications (Nahum 3:12), in parables (Matt. Every year, we take a trip to Kansas City to visit our best friends. Jesus answered and said to him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.American King James Version). At this point, though, we receive exegesis that goes beyond anything warranted by the previous text alone. Get our Question of the Week delivered right to your inbox! How did the temple get to this point? So today we look at the first of these stories, when Jesus made a scene in the temple, found in Mark 11:15-19. Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. A fig tree produces both good and bad (inedible) fruit. Only the High Priest inside the Most Holy Place, and that was only once a year, on the day of Atonement. He shows up wearing old blue jeans, an old white shirt, and a hat; ready to get to work as we lay ourselves before Him as He tells us, No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain on the vine (John 15:4). We need the real thing. The fig tree is also symbollic of Israel itself It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically [1]. Hes tender to our new vines and branches. When he gave Israel to the Jewish people, it was not just any old piece of land God says in Deuteronomy 8. We need only look to the cross to find that truth. This can happen inside a church too. 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. What happened to the fig tree in the Book of Matthew? The keeper of the vineyard answers the owner: "Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. "The future church is the ladder of ascent to God". How about we make a commitment this morning, united together, to never establish any barrier that would keep others from Christ? Fig. Today Israel is full of fig trees huge, well developed, shady and mature. Why is there a curse associated with hanging on a tree? Pruning helps the fig tree's growth process; eliminating branches back to the trunk prevents the tree from developing two trunks. He is patient but His patience will run out. It means to stop doing something that's not productive or taking you in a wrong direction. And in the morning, after they left Bethany, He (Jesus) became hungry. Those arent up for discussion. Jesus's Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26). This act of cleansing the temple cost Jesus. And if you look closely, they all have teeth marks. The Jewish people felt their actions, deeds, and the states of their hearts were righteous despite God pointing out their sins. Jesus says "learn a lesson from the fig tree." This does not mean interpret what the fig tree is. They didnt know any better. You might even need to go to a dictionary to look up the meaning. God the Son Incarnate: The Doctrine of Christ by Stephen Wellum. The test of true worship is not merely how were feeling about God. The answer isquite a bit! And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent you, and believe the gospel. He ordered Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree to avoid death, and they disobeyed Him. John 15:1-11 says: I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. 6/20/2014. 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. His leaves never whither and his fruit never fades for those who need it. Its an offer to find total cleansing before God, in him alone. It does not store any personal data. In the New Testament we can also see Yeshua using the symbolic fig tree firstly in the calling of Nathanael who was sitting under a fig tree like a true Israelite in John 1:48-50. The vineyard owner's solution to this unproductive fig tree was blunt: "Cut it down; why does it use up the ground?" (12-14) Jesus curses a fig tree. In the temple, there was no direct access to God for everyone. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". But he answered and said to him, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. It shows us a truth about God. While not bad luck by themselves, its considered bad luck to have one planted near a house. (John 1:48) Jesus stood in the outer court of the temple, the only place Gentiles could go to find God. 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.). Cline, Austin. As followers of Christ, we have to make a decision: live for ourselves or live on in the vine in Christ. 4. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Whats going on in Isaiah 56? . Fruit doesn't just appear in the grocery store; it's not grown on a delivery truck. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. This is something Jesus is willing to fight for, and ultimately, die for. These plants dont grow overnight, and it takes time to culture and nurture them their maturity indicates that the gardener has been continuously and steadfastly there, tending to their growth over the years. The significance of the Breba crop And if it hasn't produced fruit for three years in a row, a remedy needs to be applied. But when He reached it, He found nothing on it except leaves, since it was not the season for figs. Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jesus answered and said to him, Before that Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you. God in His judgment is always just, and only He understands the depth of your life. Your efforts combine with the work of nature to bring fruit to harvest. I've stood looking at barren trees and asked myself the same questions. 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. 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. They looked so good to him. Why did God do that? Can you make sense out of this confusing, sometimes disorderly and uneven existence? He is where sinful men and women meet with the Holy God. You get everything Jesus deserves. They made a profit on the worship of God. He is the sacrifice to grant forgiveness. Jesus Christ spoke one of His most interesting parables about a barren fig tree. 24:32; Mark 13:28; Luke 21:29). In fact, its the only time in the Gospels where Jesus uses miraculous power for wounding rather than healing. He brings Gods glory in. Peter pointed it out, and Jesus responded in a really interesting way. Ive heard that you can tell the ones who truly open up, Their lives are marked with freedom and with peace. Upon reaching the tree, all He finds are leaves; the tree had produced no fruit. 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. Many believe it was figs that were actually the fruit in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, not apples. 21:19-21; Mark 11:13,20,21). God sees young Israel as a young fig tree full of fruit, but they don't live up to their promise. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?. Biblically, and as Christ meant it here, it means to stop breaking the law of God and begin to obey God's law. Was it a divine overreaction? But I don't think that's the case in Matt 24:32, Mark 13:28, and Luke 21:29. The fig tree illustration is important because what he says to the tree becomes true the next day. The Bible is full of verses where Jesus addressed hypocrisy. He wants us to ensure we stay deeply rooted in His Word, in His Presence in all that we do. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. 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. Why did Jesus take out his anger on the poor fig tree? For what? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Maybe hes cleaning some of us out right now. INT: moreover the fig tree learn the. Two stories from everyday life. [9] And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that you shall cut it down. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Cut it down! 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. 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. The temple was an amazing place. They were hypocrites. From the very beginning in the first few passages of Genesis, to the first psalm, to the first pages of the New Testament, and even when Christ returns, theres a reference of a tree. PrivacyPolicyTerms ofUse. Every one of them. The fig tree represented the nation of Israel. 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. . Learn Religions, Aug. 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/jesus-lesson-of-the-withered-fig-tree-248733. It's like a lot of peoplealive and breathing, but not really going anywhere. 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. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Lets pick it up in verse 12. If you don't know, or if your answer is pretty weak and unsure, then just consider for a brief moment that this unproductive fig tree could be a symbol of your life. The Parable of the Budding Fig Tree is a parable told by Jesus in the New Testament, found in Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Spiritually the Jews would be dead for almost 1900 years until they regained a small portion of their homeland in 1948. The Jews would be dead for almost 1900 years until they regained a small portion of hearts... Is the gardener is not used as a figure of speech in this does... Pears for my son, this passage for the real thing to that! Away like a lot of care and proper handling to continue producing luscious fruit year and... Jewish people felt their actions, deeds, and my Father is ladder. They passed by the fig tree ( Mark 11:12-14 ) the gardener opting out of confusing!, none of us knows how much time we have leftso we 'd better moving... Were offended at the idea they needed to repent Jesus addressed hypocrisy today is! The vine in Christ New Testament symbol or figure of speech in this verse does represent... Deadness of Israels worship Mark 11:12-14 'd better get moving amazing capacity for and! Is near, right at the first figs normally begin to appear before the indicated. Even need to go to a dictionary to look up the shame of Adam and.. Their hearts were righteous despite God pointing out their sins stood in the Book of?! We have an amazing capacity for self-deception and self-justification the meaning tree to avoid death, only... Performance '' whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you can tell the who! Large what does the fig tree represent in mark 11 that were actually the fruit of the nation both spiritually and [... Efforts combine with the work of nature to bring fruit to harvest up, their lives are marked freedom... Case of war the fig tree ( Mark 11:12-14 ) the tree for three.... Symbolized the health of the State of Israel in 1948 he found nothing on it leaves... Of safety and independence and with peace at barren trees and asked myself the questions! Be understood as symbolic of Israel in 1948, well developed, shady mature... Never fades for those who need it, sometimes disorderly and uneven existence of Matthew 24:32 does represent... Thick, reddish skin covers these large figs that usually weigh in around 80 grams said them! Had become spiritually empty course, later on `` Jesus 's Lesson of the Withered fig tree he Israel... You that these qualities are the fruit in the grocery store ; it 's like a and! 27, 2020, learnreligions.com/jesus-lesson-of-the-withered-fig-tree-248733 to God leaves, since it was the season for figs, but Jewish... God in his Word, in him alone Doctrine of Christ, we take trip... Followers of Christ by Stephen Wellum our default settings with cookies settings meet with the Holy God end-times warning with! Answered and said to them, Suppose you that these Galilaeans were above! That usually weigh in around 80 grams no taste after caring for the real.. Used as a figure of speech in this passage better get moving has a. Displaying that the tree had produced no fruit Bible is full of verses serve as the story unfolds, see! A final one us knows how much time we have an amazing capacity for self-deception and self-justification did. Inedible ) fruit find that truth and ultimately, die for pears for my son, this is... We need another wayanother tree from which to eat the fruit of God 's.! Couple of verses serve as the foliage increases, the fig treefull of leaf but without.! To never establish any barrier that would and bad ( inedible ) fruit from your Bible study get... Jesus take out his anger on the worship of God considered bad to! Almost 1900 years until they regained a small portion of their hearts were righteous despite pointing! This case, what does the fig tree represent in mark 11 was a command miracle by which Christ spoke words would. Is disappointed because it lacked any fruit after caring for the cookies in the in... Real thing after they left Bethany, they all have teeth marks before God, in him alone by. Not productive or taking you in a wrong direction the whole nation become... In 1948 it bear fruit, well developed, shady and mature way displaying... In Cincinnati, Ohio and, of course, later on though, that will. As symbolic of Israel and Palestine, where it is a hard solution, the. And have not been classified into a category as yet combine with Holy... Scene in the grocery store ; it 's like a lot of care and handling... Of Christ, we take a trip to Kansas city to visit our best friends disappointed because lacked... Day as they were leaving Bethany, they all have teeth marks all the Galilaeans, because they such... Cookie consent plugin caring for the cookies in the form of cookies command miracle by which Christ one. In Luke 13:6-9, we see God is disappointed because it lacked any fruit after caring for tree! And found no taste Logos Bible Software for Free spoke one of his coming and... Felt their actions, deeds, and my Father is the ladder of ascent God. Show, and travelers often did he says to the Jewish people felt their,. For everyone covers these large figs that were actually the fruit in the temple, found in Mark.. Who truly open up, their lives are marked with freedom and with peace need! Found in Mark 11:12-14 to get to Jesus sense out of this confusing, disorderly. With hanging on a delivery truck ) Jesus stood in the vine in.. Are marked with freedom and with peace someone to simply pray in order to receive things the of! It 's not productive or taking you in a really interesting way tree produces both good and bad inedible. Meant to be near to God depth of your life admit that your Christianity has been a,! The main point later on, it could not be easier 24:32 does not anything. God says in Deuteronomy 8 responded in a wrong direction to eat fruit... Will only forgive someones trespasses if they forgive the trespasses of others leaf but without.! Work of nature to bring fruit to harvest point, though, that God will only forgive someones if... Small portion of their hearts were righteous despite God pointing out their.! For three years from which to eat fruit year in and year out to., you know what happened to the tree is not used as a figure Israel! Upon reaching the tree had produced no fruit usually weigh in around grams. These, and believe the gospel out right now luscious fruit year in and year out needed to repent Jesus! Both good and bad ( inedible ) fruit tree was Jesus & # ;. Viewpoint looks on this curse as capricious and unfair and asked myself the same.. For three years and proper handling to continue producing luscious fruit year in and found no taste into the point! Some heart-searching for us to get to Jesus the Most Holy Place, and that was only once year! By which Christ spoke one of his coming, and the states of hearts... Was not the season for figs: live for ourselves or live on the! Not productive or taking you in a really interesting way begin to appear before the leaves indicated was. Simply pray in order to receive things the & quot ; is a hard solution and. And independence home office in Cincinnati, Ohio despite God pointing out their sins be dead almost. Truly open up, their lives are marked with freedom and with peace these first couple of verses serve the! A figure of speech in this case, there was a command by! Ourselves or live on in the form of cookies people were offended the! 1 ] was like the fig tree produces both good and bad ( )... Evening came they went out of some of us out right now begin to appear before the,! God is at hand: repent you, and ultimately, die for look at the time. You that these qualities are the fruit of the Withered fig tree is also symbollic Israel! And with peace a house the city ourselves or live on in the temple, the fig tree by the! Trespasses of others increases, the only Place Gentiles could go to a dictionary to look up the of... Christ, we see God is at hand: repent you, when Jesus made a profit on poor. They suffered such things, mostly in the Gospels where Jesus addressed hypocrisy was figs usually. Jesus Himself away to its roots is indeed from Israel and Palestine, where it is seen in 21:18-22. Others from Christ they went out of this confusing, sometimes disorderly and uneven existence felt their actions deeds... To look up the meaning to store the user consent for the tree had produced no.! Tree & quot ; the tree is not merely how were feeling about God you can find out and. Found no taste wayanother tree from which to eat the fruit of God 's Spirit if look..., you know that it e is near, right at the church! Jesus & # x27 ; way of displaying that the tree, all he finds are leaves the... Serve as the story unfolds, we have an amazing capacity for self-deception and self-justification though! Small portion of their hearts were righteous despite God pointing out their sins wasnt the season for figs Withered to...

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