Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?

Answer

The story of Jesus cursing the barren fig tree appears in two different gospel accounts. Initially, it is recounted in Matthew 21:18-22, and subsequently in Mark 11:12-14. Although there are minor discrepancies between the two narratives, they can be easily harmonized by examining the passages. Like all Scripture, the key to comprehending this account lies in understanding the context in which it transpired. To grasp this account correctly, we must first consider the chronological and geographical backdrop. This involves determining when and where this event took place. Additionally, to fully grasp this account, it is essential to comprehend the significance of the fig tree in relation to the nation of Israel and recognize how the fig tree is symbolically used in the Scriptures to represent Israel. Lastly, a fundamental understanding of the fig tree itself, including its growing seasons, is necessary.

Initially, when examining the general chronological context of the account, we observe that it occurred during the week preceding His crucifixion. Jesus had entered Jerusalem a day earlier amidst the adulation and worship of the Jewish people who viewed Him as the King/Messiah destined to liberate them from Roman rule (Matthew 21:1-11;Mark 11:1-11). Subsequently, the following day, Jesus was once again en route to Jerusalem from His lodging in Bethany. En route, both Matthew and Mark recount that He felt hungry and spotted a fig tree in the distance with leaves on it «and seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. », (Mark 11:13). Upon reaching the tree, expecting to find something.To eat, Jesus instead discovered that the fig tree had no fruit on it and cursed the tree, saying, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” (Matthew 21:19;Mark 11:14). Matthew records the cursing and the withering of the fig tree all in one account and includes it after the account of Jesus cleansing the Temple of the moneychangers. Mark explains that it actually took place over two days, with Jesus cursing the fig tree the first day on the way to cleanse the Temple, and the disciples seeing the tree withered on the second day when they were again going to Jerusalem from Bethany (Mark 11:12-14 and Mark 11:19-20). Of course, upon seeing the tree “withered from the roots up,” the disciples were amazed, as that would have normally taken several weeks.

Having reviewed the general chronological setting of the story, we can begin to answer some of the many questions that are often asked about it. First of all is the question, Why did Jesus curse the fig tree if it was not the right season for figs? The answer to this question can be determined by studying the characteristics of fig trees. The fruit of the fig tree generally appears before the leaves, and because the fruit is green, it blends in with the leaves right up until it is almost ripe. Therefore, when Jesus and His disciples saw from a distance that the tree had leaves, they would have expected it to also have fruit on it even though it was earlier in the season than what would be normal for a fig tree to be bearing fruit. Also, each tree would often produce two to three crops of figs each season. There would be an early crop in the spring followed by one or two later crops. In some parts of Israel, depending on climate and conditions, it was also possible that a tree might produce fruit ten out of twelve months. This also explains why Jesus and His disciples would be looking for.

Fruit on the fig tree even if it was not during the main growing season. The tree already had leaves on it even though it was at a higher elevation around Jerusalem, and therefore would have been outside the normal season for figs. This would have seemed to be a good indication that there would also be fruit on it.

Regarding the significance of this passage and its meaning, the answer to that is again found in the chronological setting and in understanding how a fig tree is often used symbolically to represent Israel in the Scriptures. First of all, chronologically, Jesus had just arrived in Jerusalem amid great fanfare and high expectations. He then proceeds to cleanse the Temple and curse the barren fig tree. Both actions had significance regarding the spiritual condition of Israel. Through His cleansing of the Temple and His criticism of the worship there (Matthew 21:13;Mark 11:17), Jesus effectively denounced Israel’s worship of God. By cursing the fig tree, He symbolically denounced Israel as a nation and, in a sense, even denounced unfruitful “Christians” (those who profess to be Christian but show no evidence of a relationship with Christ).

The presence of a fruitful fig tree was considered a symbol of blessing and prosperity for the nation of Israel. Similarly, the absence or death of a fig tree would symbolize judgment and rejection. Symbolically, the fig tree represented the spiritual deadness of Israel, who, while very religious outwardly with all the sacrifices and ceremonies, were spiritually barren due to their sins. By cleansing the Temple and cursing the fig tree, causing it to wither and die, Jesus pronounced His coming judgment of Israel and demonstrated His power to carry it out. It also teaches the principle that religious profession and observance are insufficient to guarantee salvation unless there is the fruit of genuine salvation evident.

ed in the life of the person. James would later echo this truth when he wrote that “faith without works is dead” «For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.», (James 2:26). The lesson of the fig tree is that we should bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), not just give an appearance of religiosity. God judges fruitlessness and expects that those who have a relationship with Him will “bear much fruit” (John 15:5-8).