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If you are reading through the Gospels of Matthew or Mark this Holy Week, you can’t avoid the story that many Bibles label as “The Cursing of the Fig Tree.”
It’s a story I’ve often skipped over — mostly because I didn’t understand it, but it’s one that has a powerful challenge to each of us.
What is the story of the Fig Tree?
In case you’re not familiar with the story, allow me to give a brief summary.
Context :: Jesus had just entered Jerusalem with shouts and praise from the people there to celebrate Passover.* After entering the city, Jesus goes into the Temple and finds people taking advantage of others, so he overturns the tables and drives out all who were buying and selling in the temple.**
Scripture Passage ::
“Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing 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.” (Matthew 21:18-19 NIV)
What does the story of the Fig Tree mean?
I know it’s just a tree, but my empathy kicks in big time with each re-reading of the account.
Here is a sweet tree, growing there, not bothering anyone, and Jesus comes along, hungry, as he returned to the city from Bethany where he had stayed the night. He sees the tree from a distance, full of leaves, and walked up to it to eat its fruit.
The closer he got, though, he found nothing! Leaves, but no fruit. So he cursed the tree so that it would never bear fruit again.
My mind speculated –> Wasn’t that unfair? What if that just wasn’t the season of bearing fruit? What did the tree do wrong?
I wondered if maybe Jesus was overreacting until I read in a commentary a while back that normally the leaves and the fruit appear at the same time. There really was a problem with this tree.
The fig tree appeared to be healthy — full of leaves, adequate sun, proper location — but despite these blessings, it failed to yield the one thing it was created to give: fruit.
In this account, Jesus used the fig tree to make a point. It serves as an illustration of the rejection of Israel, a nation that was given every advantage but still remained unfruitful.***
But I wonder how the story of the fig tree applies to us, too.
How the story of the Fig Tree applies to us
We might have every “spiritual” advantage possible. Maybe we were raised by Christian parents. Or have multiple Bibles lining our shelves. Perhaps we go to church — or even serve there!
We might say all the right words and do all the right things. But none of that is what will save us and make us fruitful.
If you’re following along in Clean on the Inside: A Family Devotional for Holy Week, this is a similar idea to what we read about with the “whitewashed tombs.” The Pharisees appeared righteous on the outside: observing the law and keeping up appearances, but inside, they were full of sin! There was no inner transformation. They had not been cleaned on the inside!
We, too, might look good on the outside doing all sorts of religious activities or being a really good person. To the people around us, our leaves might be green and vibrant. But Jesus looks at the heart, and it is the inner transformation through Jesus Christ that produces fruit in our lives.
Apart from Jesus, we can not be saved!
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6).
We can boast about our leaves all we want, but the fruit that God is looking for comes not from ourselves. It comes from Christ dwelling in us!
The foundation is knowing Jesus as our Savior.
For those of us who have made that choice, who have believed in Jesus as our Savior, I believe there is an application here for us, too. Maybe I’m reading into it a little, but I take this story to heart. There is a little part of me that wonders what type of fruit Jesus would see if He looked at my life.
Does my life appear fruitful from a distance but upon closer inspection reveal a barren life, lacking the fruit God created me to grow?
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last.” (John 15:16).
It’s not necessarily about doing more. In fact, for some of us, it will mean doing less. Fruit is not the result of our doing. It is the result of our abiding.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5).
If we are to bear fruit in our lives, if we are to be more than just a tree with leaves, we must continue to abide in Christ and walk by the Spirit.
“For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22).
Do we engage a living faith, or exhibit dead religion?
Have we stopped at the “Jesus is my Savior” part? Or are we continuing on with Him?
Are we submitting ourselves to Jesus, allowing Him to be the Lord of our lives (rather than our desires, our habits, or any number of other people or things)? Are we continuing to be transformed into the likeness of Christ? Are we abiding in Christ and experiencing the inner transformation that leads to outer fruitfulness?
That is my prayer, that we will be people whose outer actions are a result of inner transformation, people who look to Jesus as our Savior and the Lord of our lives! May we be people who produce good fruit!
Question for you:
Where are you on the “abiding scale” today? Are you struggling with what it means to remain in Christ or walk by the Spirit, or is the Spirit producing fruit in your life?
If you are struggling, how can we pray for you or what questions do you have?
If you are abiding, share what that looks like in your life. How are we to abide in Christ? (And if you’re looking for a tool to help you, this is one of the main reasons why I created the Faithful Life Planner — to help us draw near to Jesus and center our whole lives around Him. Find out more about the Faithful Life Planner here.
* Matthew 21:1-11 // also the focus story on Palm Sunday
** Matthew 21:12-17 and the focus of Day 2 in Clean on the Inside
*** In many other places in the Bible, figs were used as a metaphor for the Jewish people (Jeremiah 24:5, 8; Jeremiah 29:17; Hosea 9:10), and withered trees symbolized God’s judgment (Isaiah 34:4; Jeremiah 8:13; Hosea 2:12).
Oh, this just strikes at my heart today. I struggle to walk the talk. There are times I feel like I am absolutely on the right path, and then-Boom!-I fall to my knees in embarrassment because I realize I have wandered so far off the path. Sometimes it’s about judging others, sometimes about being prideful, sometimes it’s just plain foolish behavior.
That’s a great little visual for me-to remain attached to His lifeline-the vine-so I may bear truly wonderful fruit.
Thanks for the nudge today!
I can so relate, Kim! And that is why I am so. incredibly. grateful for grace!
Thanks for taking the time to share your heart here.
I just love your website. It’s beautiful. Thanks for your comment on my blog! I was really touched by your post on the fruit in our lives. I think it is so critical to evaluate our hearts and what it is producing. I’ve been trying to do that more. I loved the question on what kind of fruit I might be producing specifically. I’m thinking about that one! Thanks again…I look forward to reading more posts :)
Thank you, Kathy, for your kind words about the site and the post.
I am often convicted about the state of my heart. So many times I think I’m on the right track and then some attitude or action will spill out, and I think, “Where did THAT come from?!” Yet the Bible reminds us that it is out of the overflow of our hearts that our mouths speak!
So thankful that we don’t have to do it on our own, but we have a Helper who works in and through us!
This post is so insightful! There is always something we can learn each time we read the word isn’t there? AFter all, it is the Living word of God, so how could we not? Thank you for posting this one!
Have a wonderful Easter!
It amazes me, too, Margo! So thankful that it is living and active and that we have the Holy Spirit in our lives to bring His truth to life!
Erika–‘leaves or fruit’–I like that question. My word for 2012 is ‘Dwell’, so I’ve done a lot of studying on what that means. Stay in the Word, take time to be in His presence. Worship often. I’m an empty nester full time worker bee, so I have a little more ‘free’ time to be with Jesus–in my closet and in my world….I’m so thankful for His grace each day!
Ooo, Jody, “dwell.” That words speaks to me. My word is “waiting” but in many ways the type of waiting He put on my heart as I sought Him was just that — dwelling. Waiting on Him, resting in His presence, trusting His heart. Not doing, but being.
Thanks for taking the time to share!
I have always wondered about this passage as well. Thank you SO MUCH for your insightful comments and clarification. I truly understand this passage now where previously, I too, felt sympathy for the fig tree. Thank you!!
And I’m reflecting right now on how to do less so I can abide…
Wow, this is such a powerful post. I have often wondered about the cursing of the fig tree! It never seem to fit into my image of Jesus and I just never understood it. Your explanation just opened my eyes wide though. I continually get caught up in thinking bearing fruit means doing more stuff. I’ve been praying actually for God to let me do more for Him. And while I still hope He allows me opportunities to love & serve others, I’ve failed spectacularly at simply abiding in Him. I can’t thank you enough for sharing your wisdom in this post today!
I can definitely relate, Ally. I think that’s part of the “tension” we live in and face as believers. He has called us to DO good works, but so often we DO on our own before we’ve ever just sat and waited and listened to His heart. The BEing has to come first and the DOing is a natural outflow.
I wish I could say I’ve got it mastered :) but I think it will be a lifelong journey!
Thanks for your kind and encouraging words, Ally! Praying for you today.
Grateful for your explanation here. I, too, have skimmed over that story, uncertain of the deeper meaning. I’m grateful for your digging, and for your inquisitiveness. Thank you for putting in the hard work for the rest of us.
– Jennifer
This is exactly me. Thank you! This message hits the nail on the head for me. And has been given to me so many times, especially in the last 5 years. On the outside all crisp and to everyone on the outside, they talk about seeing fruits and all good in me. But I know, just as much as I know Jesus knows, I feel far from Him. I have been praying, fasting, trying to figure out what He wants from me, trying to know what I am or not allowed to do.. Man, I’ve even taught other believers in moment when I thought to know issues of the bible. Right away Jesus’s words come to mind: Do what they say, but not what they do..
I am completely stuck. I have 6 children, including my current pregnancy, the oldest is almost 13 and the rest is 6 and under. As much as I love my children and try to homeschool, be creative. I am an authoritarian and so is my husband, and I hate it. I don’t like who I have become. I lost my joy in every thing I used to love and I am only more and more angry and agitated. Really, I’ve become so ugly; I feel like a spoiled brat, because I have everything going for me. Yet anger, depression and all kinds of worries and fears haunt and torment me daily. Considering my behavior, that’s acually just. Don’t even know why I am alive still. My pastor just says to keep on doing what I’m doing, because yes.. On the outside it all looks good. The children behave, are super social and sweet, I teach them about the bible, they know what to do and say.. But I know how I have rubbed off on them. And I don’t like myself at all and I struggle with rejection, and even accepting myself for as long as I remember. Now I’m at the point where I am like: OK Jesus.. You say I am a hypocrite..,, well I agree… Now what??!!!! Cause I have compulsive perfectionism and I don’t know how to be still.. I don’t how to let go.. So I don’t even know how I am going to be saved, because I thought my faith would be enough. Now my faith is not even at a point where I see hope for change anymore. I’m so frustrated because all I see is the problem and no solution. Cause it’s hard to believe my prayers are even being heard anymore. Despite those nice promises of never forsaking me, I feel left alone with my own crazy mind. No fruit.
Most of what I hear is condemning scriptures such as: You Pharisees, hypocrites, how will you escape judgement. and so on, and so on… all day long.
And all the beauty and blessing I am surrounded with seem to be just a very brief moment of appreciation, but nothing that I can actually let sink in and savor on.. to really absorb. At this point, I feel I am sinking downwards…
I feel like a monster. And quite frankly, I can say inwardly that’s who I’ve become. All those testimonies of people who have been transformed and healed. I’ve been pleading and crying.. I am so MAD, that with all of this, I’m still a wreck. And everyone around me is so nice. They all understand the love and grace of Jesus. I know so many scriptures, but not actually living it. It’s been years I am struggling with this seeking help everywhere, trying all kids of things. And it’s probably Him being willing, but me who’s not obedient enough. I am willing, always have been. But not as obedient as I should.. And I am just too tired to even do anything about it now. I’m at my end now. I live and do the things now, because of the children and my husband. I pick myself up for them. Because I am grateful for their love, kindness and understanding towards me despite my wickedness. But I can’t see the hope for myself anymore. Does this mean God is done with me?? And he is just reserving me, keeping me alive for the day of judgment for an example to be judged for not allowing Jesus in the way I am supposed to?
I am sorry for spitting all of this out, sister; you don’t even have to reply. I haven’t taken the time to write much, cause I lost the motivation and drive. I am just too tired and angry. Just angry! Thank you for even taking the time to read this. May my energy not affect you in any negative way, and may you continue being blessed in sharing God’s truth.
If anything, Would you maybe a mention in your prayer that God will tell me if there is still hope for this genuine transformation in someone like me. Though I am so angry, I know God is good and just.
I appreciate your time and may God richly bless you.
Sincerely,
Janet