If you don't know, or if your answer is pretty weak and unsure, then just consider for a brief moment that this unproductive fig tree could be a symbol of your life. People suffer loss of property, lands and rights because of actions taken by others with little thought about what's right or wrong or just. You get everything Jesus deserves. Jesus was hungry. C.S. Fruit doesn't just appear in the grocery store; it's not grown on a delivery truck. Finally we have the parable of the fig tree, which may have been given on the last day of Jesus' life (Matt. In Luke 13:6-9, we hear Jesus tell a parable about a barren fig tree that should make us pause. This is something Jesus is willing to fight for, and ultimately, die for. And the plan is next week to look at the second one, the cursing of the fig tree, which comes right before and after this temple story. All you need is honesty and openness to admit that your Christianity has been a show, and ask him for the real thing. Well, in Mark 13, Jesus said not one stone of the temple will be left on another. Jesus curses the fig tree The GOOD Olive Tree represents Israel, the WILD Olive Tree the Gentiles. The fig tree represented the nation of Israel. They decided, together, that they would rip up the carpet and the pews before they would again hinder one of these young beach kids from worshiping God. God has come. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. If people leave the church because the Bible makes it hard for them to worship God, thats between them and God. Notice Jesus doesnt say a mountain. We need fruit. How much do we care? Thats what Jesus saw when he entered the temple. A fig tree develops a ground-based root system when planted in the beginning of the dormant season, winter, and before its leaves appear in spring. Treesthe tree of life with its lifegiving fruit and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was used as parameters for the metaphor of the whole Bible. By cursing the tree, Jesus simply stated the obvious. In fact, its the only tree specified that we know for sure was in the garden. The fertilization of the fig tree in this parable may represent Jesus' sacrifice for sin during the crucifixion. The Gentiles could enter the outer court. Spiritually the Jews would be dead for almost 1900 years until they regained a small portion of their homeland in 1948. It withers. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. They looked so good to him. So much is packed in here. If Gods church is a house of prayera house of worshipthen everyone is welcome. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Hollow religion is actually hard to spot, especially when the focus is turned on ourselves. The parable of the barren fig tree offers both good news and bad news. Hes bigger than your sin. Was it a divine overreaction? Jesus cursed the fig tree because it had the appearance of fruitfulness, but it was deceptive. 12:10; Ezek. Biblically, and as Christ meant it here, it means to stop breaking the law of God and begin to obey God's law. It means that through this announcement a new order of life is at hand and we need to obtain a mind-set that fits. Your efforts combine with the work of nature to bring fruit to harvest. They were hypocrites. And they can make a positive difference in your life. The vine He created was for the purpose of staying rooted and bearing fruit through Him. 24:32ff), etc. What does the story of the fig tree mean? But those usually arent our biggest problem. 14And he said to it, May no one ever eat fruit from you again. And his disciples heard it. So it was with the nation of Israel. The Old Testament said this would happen (Isaiah 34:4, Joel 1:7-12, Amos 4:9). The temple was amazing. It looked good. The temple in Jerusalem was much the same. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its better to repent and turn from the sins that are preventing us from living fully for Christ before His patience runs out. We begin with - Jesus' prophetic act in the temple When one prays, it is also necessary to forgive those that one is angry with. (John 1:48) 24:32-34 Mark 13:28-32; Luke 21:29-33) The Parameters: Matt 24:29-31 says that the events occur "after the tribulation" or "at the end of the tribulation" so we are in a post-tribulation time frame. These fruits are frequently small, acidic and inferior in texture, but may be useful for preservation. Therefore, Christ cursed the fig tree as an object lesson to all not to be hypocritical.. It was where God dwelt on Earth with man. 6 Why did Jesus curse a fig tree (Mark 11-12-14)? Do we blame God, or do we dig our roots in deeper? So why did Jesus go the the temple with his disciples, look around, and leave only to go back the next day? The man who checks bags for bombs on our transport system was eating juicy figs and gave one to me with a smile. United Church of Godis a501(c)3organization. Cursing the fig tree was Jesus' way of displaying that the whole nation had become spiritually empty. He ordered Adam and Eve not to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree to avoid death, and they disobeyed Him. Theres a great example of this from the 1960s. 1. What did Jesus mean when He spoke of living water? The fig tree is also symbollic of Israel itself It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically [1]. Fruit trees require lot of care and proper handling to continue producing luscious fruit year in and year out. However, this tree had no fruit. Now, this story is really interesting from a historical perspective. When they were stepped on, they stuck to the bottom of their feet. Heres why thats so significant. Learn Religions. How did the temple get to this point? The fig tree you cursed has withered!" "Have faith in God," Jesus answered. He had something better. Instead, the most important things in the nascent Christian community would be faith in God and forgiveness for others. Its about how open we are to God, and how open were making things for others. How about we make a commitment this morning, united together, to never establish any barrier that would keep others from Christ? He poured out his Spirit. Commentator William Barclay said this story does not seem worthy of Jesus. The OT has many miracles of judgment, but outside of this . The test of true worship doesnt reside in showy religiosity but in God-glorifying life. Repentance is necessary, and it is possible with God's help. The Jews could enter the next level. Here's what He said: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. The only question remaining is simple: do you want to come? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The British pastor Martyn Lloyd-Jones said, every institution tends to become its opposite. The temple became a place where it was hard to find God. Jesus' proclamation isn't the result of low blood sugar-fueled vindication. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. The first figs normally begin to appear before the leaves, but as the foliage increases, the . Then he said to the keeper of his vineyard, 'Look, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. We need life. If it bears fruit next year, fine! We're not told whether there was any provocation. It looked okay from a distance. Such branches are gathered and thrown into the fire, where they are burned up. Now the next day, when they had come out from Bethany, He was hungry. In fact, the OT often uses the fig tree as a symbol of national Israel: "I will take away their harvest, declares the LORD. Shirts and shoes please. He took it down, and after church met with the church leaders. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Its almost as if the fig was something of a barometer of the health of the nation taken away as punishment, and flourishing in times of restoration. This shows us that God both owns us and gives us room to grow spiritually, but He also expects us to produce "fruit"the product of a life of good works of righteousness. With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! What appeared full of life was actually lifeless. But if not, after that you can cut it down'" (Luke 13:6-9 Luke 13:6-9 [6] He spoke also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Why am I having a hard time forgiving myself? It means to stop going in one direction of life, a direction that can be self-destructive, and to turn around and go anotherin a way that's productive and even godly. We can see that this elaborate buying and selling and money-changing operation is a scam to make money off poor worshipers who only want to meet with Godmuch like the prosperity gospel preachers of our day. When Jesus told the parable of the fig tree, He was trying to get our attention because He is the master gardener. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. When linked to the earlier statement "unless you repent," we learn that there's a way to avoid being "cut down" and considered of no value. It was where the sacrifices were made to grant purification and forgiveness. Jesus was there in Jerusalem for that very purpose. Jesus is hungry, and the tree is not producing fruit as it should. This act of cleansing the temple cost Jesus. It withered. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why encumbers it the ground? In the Old Testament, the fig tree was a symbol for the nation of Israel. There will be no grapes on the vine. Showy religion is so boring. We dont have to set up elaborate trading floors with international exchange rates. If you keep my commands, you will stay in my love just as I have kept my Fathers commands and stay in his love. 2022 One For Israel is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization headquartered in Israel. It is our hope that these will help you better understand the meaning and purpose of God's Word in relation to your life today. Cline, Austin. They chose not to put up a barrier and God brought the people. And seeing a fig tree(In Mt 21:19, it is "one fig tree," but the sense is the same as here, "a certain fig tree," as in Mt 8:19, &c.). About ten years ago, he released a song called I Havent Either. It starts off lighthearted, but the point it makes is profound. So he cursed it, saying, May no one ever eat fruit from you again., If you think this is a bit odd, youre not alone. Jesus isnt putting himself in a genies bottle. Bethphage, which adjoined Bethany, derives its name from its being a fig region"House of figs." afar off having leavesand therefore promising fruit, which in the case of figs come before the leaves. Lucky Peepal Tree (Fig Tree): A symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity, and good luck, this tree is often found around Buddhist shrines. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/jesus-lesson-of-the-withered-fig-tree-248733. He was done looking. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. They made a profit on the worship of God. He cares only that you come. Both accounts are examples of the importance of the biblical and cultural context in understanding the words and deeds attributed to Jesus. 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