Cursing the Fig Tree (Moment #4 from “40 Moments From Christ’s Final Days”)

Approximate Reading Time: 3 minutes

This is an excerpt from my book “40 Moments From Christ’s Final Days.” Click here to get it from Amazon using my affiliate link.

Find this moment in: Mt. 21:18-19, Mk. 11:12-14

One time, Jesus was hungry and got really mad at a tree. 

Now in the morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves only; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered. (Matthew 21:18-19)

Some like to look at this as a demonstration of Christ’s humanity. He was hungry, which made Him a little grumpy, so He used His power as God to release some frustration. The story seems a bit odd and out of character for Jesus, but we’ve all been there.

However, low blood sugar was the least of Christ’s frustrations. Understanding the nature of fig trees will help things make sense. Understanding the heart of Israel will make this moment crystal clear.

In the parallel telling of Mark 11:12-14, Jesus acknowledges that it wasn’t the time of year for a fig tree to be in full bloom and ready for harvest. However, the presence of leaves would have indicated that fruit was at least starting to form on the tree. But after seeing leaves with no fruit, the tree proved that despite appearing to be preparing for harvest, the tree itself would be useless when the harvesters came for it.

This moment may have also drawn attention to other times God compared Israel to a fig tree.

I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the earliest fruit on the fig tree in its first season. But they came to Baal-peor and devoted themselves to shame, And they became as detestable as that which they loved. (Hosea 9:10)

The fig tree is a picture of Israel. From afar, God’s chosen people had the appearance of bearing fruit. Upon closer inspection, as Christ looked past their leafy rituals and appearance of growing obedience, He saw that there was no godly fruit beneath. They may have done many right things, but their hearts weren’t in it. 

It’s interesting to note that this is the first time we’ve seen Jesus curse anything. As He faces His impending death for the sins of His people, He makes it clear that the lack of fruit in God’s chosen nation is unacceptable. Their rituals and good behaviors weren’t enough because God wanted these things to come out of love for Him. Jesus wasn’t angry because He was hungry. He was angry because He loved a nation that refused to bear fruit.

Stop and think: Just as God expected Israel to produce good fruit, He expects the same as us. Read the works of the flesh and fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:19-23. Although we will not be perfect, God gave us the Holy Spirit to grow us in fruitful godliness. Honestly examine how your life matches the unfruitful works of the flesh. Then, honestly examine how God has been slowly, faithfully growing your fruit through the Holy Spirit.

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