Cursing the Fig Tree

On the next day, when they had left Bethany, He became hungry. Seeing at a distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if perhaps He would find anything on it; and when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. He said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening. - Mark 11:12-14 (NASB)

These three verses constitute an important encounter that Jesus has with a fig tree as he left Bethany headed for Jerusalem. The context of this short story is during the Passion Week just after the Triumphal entry into Jerusalem the day before. Noticing a fig tree in the distance, Jesus approached it hoping to find fruit among its branches.

Then he did what appears to be something absurd and out of the ordinary. He cursed the tree for having not found fruit. Let's examine 3 critical aspects to this story.

1. He came to the fig tree.

Jesus appears to have been looking for it. He saw it from a distance and came to it (13). Thus, He made a special effort to seek it out. There were probably other trees along the way but He specifically sought the fig tree out. Also, notice that He came at a time in which the fig tree was not supposed to bear fruit (13). It was not the season for bearing fruit. Yet, He came expecting it.

2. He considered the fig tree.

Jesus discovered that the fig tree had not produced any fruit. This discovery did not seem to please Jesus. Verse 13 states that it contained nothing but leaves. Thus, it had the appearance of fruit but had nothing on the branches.

3. He cursed the fig tree.

Finally, Jesus cursed the fig tree. This is odd behavior. He stated in the presence of His disciples "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!". We learn later in verses 20 and 21 that as a result of this curse the fig tree withers up and dies.

But what does all of this mean? Is Jesus irrational and easily angered? Is He acting out of character and emotionally charged? Or is there something more to this story?

Throughout the pages of the Bible, the nation of Israel is compared to fruit trees. One of many examples is found in Isaiah 5. In verses 1-7 we learn about a vineyard that the Lord has planted. He plants it on a fertile hill (Isa 5:1). He removes its stones (Isa 5:2), builds a tower in the middle of the vineyard (Isa 5:2) and expected to produce a good crop. Instead, He finds only a worthless crop. In verses 3-6, God asks rhetorically through the prophet Isaiah what He should do with such a vineyard? What could He have done that He didn’t? The answer of course is "nothing". Therefore, He must remove its hedge, break down its walls, trample it, lay it to waste, not allow it to be hoed, and not permit rain to fall upon it (Isa 5:5-6). What was the fruit that He expected? Justice and righteousness (Isa 5:7).

For this reason, the kingdom is being taken away from the Jewish religious leaders and being given to a people who will produce the crops that God has expected. Jesus is using an analogy here to describe in no uncertain terms this teaching to His disciples. Later in the week, as described in Matthew 23, Jesus will call the Pharisees hypocrites no less than 6 times. This teaching of the kingdom being removed from the nation of Israel and being given to a people that will produce fruit will also be the subject of several parables throughout the Passion week just prior to His crucifixion.

Therefore, this story is important for understanding the future of ethnic Israel. There is none. God is giving the kingdom to Jews and Gentiles who are His true people, His faithful remnant.

More importantly, this story speaks to us and our need to bear fruit. It reminds us that Jesus will come back at a time in which we do not expect it (Mk 13:32-37). He will search our lives for evidences of the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22). He will examine our works to see if they demonstrate a love for Him and a desire to see His kingdom furthered here on Earth. For those whom endure, they will be saved (Mt 24:13).

In John 15:1-11, Jesus stated that He was the vine and that only those who remain in Him will truly "bear fruit" (Jn 15:4) and only those in Him will receive Eternal Life.

Jesus will come again to examine you and your fruit.

Will you be ready or will you be cursed?