The miracles of Jesus are sometimes seen as occasions that defy the legal guidelines of nature, displaying us His divine energy and authority. Whereas many of those miracles convey therapeutic, deliverance, and restoration, there’s one which stands out as a bit totally different. It’s not a therapeutic or a restoration, however a curse. Immediately, we’re going to discover the which means of the fig tree and the way this miracle teaches us deep classes about religion and fruitfulness.
What Does the Bible Say About Fig Bushes?
Fig bushes are talked about early on in Scripture. In Genesis 3:7, when Adam and Eve realized they have been bare after sinning, they sewed fig leaves collectively to cowl themselves.This easy starting units the stage for a bigger Biblical symbolism of fig bushes.
All through the Bible, the fig tree is usually used as a logo of Israel.
- In Hosea 9:10, Israel is depicted as a fig tree that after had an in depth relationship with God. “It was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”
- Micah 7:1 speaks of Israel’s non secular fruitlessness, describing it as having “not one of the early figs.“
- When Israel persists in sin, Jeremiah 29:17 likens them to “rotten figs.”
- However, God additionally guarantees restoration, saying in Joel 2:22 that “the fig tree and vine yield their riches.“
God’s design for Israel (and for us) was to stroll faithfully with Him, producing non secular fruit as a mirrored image of His presence in our lives. This theme of fruitfulness is central to our understanding of Jesus’ curse on the fig tree.
The Story of the Fig Tree
You’ll find this story in Matthew 21:18-22; going down throughout the Passover season. Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, driving on a donkey, fulfilling prophecy and setting the stage for His final sacrifice.
He clears the temple of the patrons and sellers, spent the day instructing, therapeutic individuals, and confronting the non secular leaders who have been plotting in opposition to Him.
After such a tense day, Jesus retreated to Bethany for some relaxation. Early the subsequent morning, He and His disciples have been heading again to the town when Jesus noticed a fig tree by the street.
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
“Early within the morning, as He was on His approach again to the town, He was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the street, He went as much as it however discovered nothing on it besides leaves. Then He mentioned to it, ‘Could you by no means bear fruit once more!’ Instantly the tree withered.” (Matthew 21:18-19)
At first look, it looks like Jesus was simply hungry and pissed off with a fruitless tree. However, as at all times with Jesus, there’s a deeper which means.
This was no random outburst. The fig tree symbolized one thing rather more profound.
The Fig Tree’s Symbolism
Within the early spring, across the time of Passover, fig bushes hardly ever have absolutely ripe fruit. They could have small buds, however not mature fruit.
Nonetheless, if a fig tree was stuffed with leaves, it gives the look that it also needs to have fruit. This tree, with its lush leaves however no fruit, was an image of “false promoting”- a deceptive look of fruitfulness.
Jesus anticipated to search out fruit, however He discovered nothing. This tree was symbolic of Israel’s non secular state. They’d the outward look of being God’s individuals, with their non secular practices, sacrifices, and rituals, however they lacked true non secular fruit.
For this reason Jesus cursed the tree. It was a visible lesson for His disciples about God’s anger at faith with out substance.
What Does This Train Us?
Jesus used this second to show His disciples (and us) some essential classes.
1. The Significance of Bearing Religious Fruit
Jesus usually taught that the fruit we bear reveals who we’re. In Matthew 7:16-17, He mentioned, “You’ll know them by their fruits. Do males collect grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? Even so, each good tree bears good fruit, however a foul tree bears unhealthy fruit.”
Simply because the fig tree was anticipated to bear fruit, we’re known as to stay lives that produce good fruit. The Holy Spirit produces character traits in each believer which are discovered within the nature of Christ.
If we would like them to develop in us, we should love Him, know Him, and imitate Him. Are we displaying love, kindness, endurance, and different qualities that mirror the character of Christ?
God wishes for us to bear fruit, not simply outwardly, however from a remodeled coronary heart.
2. Religion and Prayer
The withered fig tree amazed the disciples. After they requested Him the way it had withered so rapidly, Jesus taught them concerning the energy of religion in prayer:
“I let you know the reality, if in case you have religion and don’t doubt… you’ll be able to say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw your self into the ocean,’ and will probably be finished.” (Matthew 21:21)
The important thing right here is religion. Jesus was instructing His disciples that real faith- religion that believes in God’s power- can transfer the mountains we face in life.
We should always root our prayers in belief of God’s skill to do the unimaginable. However this religion additionally must be honest and actual, not based mostly on empty rituals or appearances.
3. True Interior Religion Over Outward Appearances
The fig tree’s look was deceiving. It appeared wholesome with its leaves, nevertheless it lacked the fruit it was presupposed to bear. Equally, many individuals can seem non secular on the surface, but when their religion isn’t real, there’s no actual fruit.
The lesson right here is that God seems to be past the floor and examines the guts. Are we simply going by way of the motions of faith, or are we cultivating a real, vibrant relationship with God that leads to fruit?
Reflection Questions
- What areas of your life may seem to others as “fruitful,” however upon nearer inspection, lack true non secular fruit?
- How will you deepen your relationship with God in order that your religion bears extra fruit?
- Are there mountains in your life that you just’ve been hesitant to convey earlier than God in prayer? What would it not seem like to belief Him absolutely with these challenges?
- How will you deliberately search to bear fruit that glorifies God in your every day life—by way of actions, phrases, and selections?
Conclusion
The miracle of the fig tree is rather more than only a unusual occasion in Jesus’ ministry. It’s a name for us to look at our hearts and our non secular lives. Are we bearing the fruit that God wishes? Are we residing with real religion, trusting in His energy and beauty?
Could we at all times try to stay in a approach that produces fruit that glorifies our Heavenly Father.
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the New Worldwide Model except specified in any other case.
Picture Credit score: Canva
