Expert: Sal - 3/23/2010

Question
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree when it had no fruit, my niece was saddened when I read it to her. I told her I would ask and  I was sure Jesus had a good reason. I know it is a parable but don't have the knowledge to explain it. Sorry, I don't know exactly where it is in the Bible. Thank you in advance it is deeply appreciate.
Barbara

Answer
Dear Barbara:

The story of Jesus cursing the fig tree is found in Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14, 20-26.  Here is the story in Matthew.

18Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing 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. 20When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. 21Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, 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. 22If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Since it was not the season for figs (Mark 11:13) we can be sure that Jesus was not really expecting to find fruit. He was meaning to teach the disciples then and us today an important truth. The fig tree represented Israel. The prophets commonly referred to Israel as a fig tree. For example, "When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree…” (Hosea 10:9). Israel had received God’s word, but had not produced love for God’s word. They had many leaves (empty religious observances), but no fruit (real love for God and acceptance of the gospel).

Notice that in Marks account he separates the story into two parts. Jesus curses the fig tree (11:12-14) and then later the fig tree is found withered up (11:20-26). It’s important to recognize what Mark inserts in between these two parts.

15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'" 18The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. 19When evening came, they went out of the city.

Mark is emphasizing what Jesus is teaching in the story of the barren fig tree. The people worshipping in the temple had plenty of empty religious practices (leaves), but no real love for God (fruit). They lacked the right intention in their religious observances. They only wanted to look good to their fellow worshippers while their hearts were not full of the Love of God. We must always bear fruit in our spiritual life.

I pray that this helps,
Sal