Expert: Marilyn - 12/12/2006

Question
I read your answer on the cursing of the fig tree. My question is, why did Jesus curse the tree even though it was not the season for figs at all, i.e. the might have bourne fruit when it was the proper time, and Jesus could not rightfully expect fruit from it at the time that he did, yet why was it necessary, or how was it justified to curse the tree at that time? (Mk 11:13)

Answer
Hello Khushro;

This story appears in Matthew 21 and Mark 11.  In both passages Jesus curses the tree after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem and sacking the temple money-changers.  In the Matthew passage the fig tree is said to have immediately withered, in the Mark passage the disciples are said to have noticed it withered the next day.  Discrepancies in eyewitness accounts are to be expected and actually prove the truth of the Gospels.  It's the group who have their stories all locked down identically who lie.

Jesus knows what is ahead for Him.  Upon first read, it might appear He's having a tantrum.  His emotions would definitely be running higher than normal given what lies ahead for Him in only a few days!  But I think, though that may be true, Jesus never does anything without a good reason.  The fig tree is a living thing, but not possessing a soul, cursing it is a demonstration of power as testimony to His disciples.  Jesus wants them to understand He could avoid the cross if He chose; He could curse all His enemies if He chose and they would die.

The disciples have seen many great miracles, Jesus fed thousands of people from only a few loaves of bread and a handful of fish, He's healed countless people, walked on water and driven out demons.  The cursing of the fig tree is one of His last miracles before His death.  It's a dramatic use of power, opposite of the others in that something died.  It got their attention.  And human beings need constant reminders of things like miracles.  We live in a miraculous world full of beauty and glory, but we can be found spending countless hours in front of TV's and computers ignoring it.  We can be found complaining while a blaze of color happening just outside our door might cheer us if we'd but look.

Jesus wanted His disciples to know He could do anything He wanted--even curse the Pharisees or strike dead the soldiers who would soon kill Him.  He wanted it to be known He was no "victim" in the sense He was helpless.  We'd be wise to remember that ourselves.

Marilyn