Quite simply – the fig tree is one of the last trees to bud in the spring and so when it’s leaves are budding we know that summer is just around the corner! 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 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. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? 2 months ago. But this particular tree draws Jesus’s attention because it already has a full covering of leaves. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree and cleanse the Temple of the money changers on the days immediately following his triumphal entry in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. So Jesus cursed a fig tree. They may even be able to move mountains, though that is arguably a bit of hyperbole on his part. Answer Save. Thanks for asking me the question you did today about Mark 11:13, and especially your question about why Jesus would curse a fig tree that wasn’t producing figs if it wasn’t even the season for figs. Symbolism and Context of the Cursed Fig Tree . As the fig tree had leaves but no fruit, Israel had a temple, but no spiritual life. Mark 11:12-14. The fig tree symbolizes Israel. I.e. Jesus used the fig tree to illustrate the bad spiritual state of the nation. 21:18-21; Mark 11:15-17, 20-25) presents a particular challenge to interpretation, since as “the only miracle of destruction in the canonical Gospels” 1 it seems out of step with the profoundly constructive nature of Jesus’ ministry. Some light is shed on this passage by an article in Hard Sayings of the Bible by F. F. Bruce: Was it not unreasonable to curse the tree for being fruitless when, as Mark expressly says, "it was not the season for figs"? The “Problem” The following passages give us some of the context for this supposed contradiction. How did Jesus know the fig tree was barren? Or else, “I am unwell, I haven’t much talent, the conditions are not right, my surroundings…” These aren’t excuses either. The account of Jesus cursing the fig tree during his final visit to Jerusalem (Matt. ), a stumbling block to many. During springtime, Palestinian fig trees begin producing taksh — Arabic for immature, edible figs. Also, fig trees can produce more than one crop of fruit each year. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. Can anyone tell me why did Jesus curse the figtree when it was out of season so naturally it wouldn't have had any fruit? If Jesus was sinless then why did he curse the fig tree? They can be found in Matthew 21 and Mark 11. As the creator, he expected that the fig should have fruits wether its his season or not. It seems to be the only time he did something that wasn't meant in a positive way. The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. By what right can Jesus curse, and so destroy, this “unfortunate” fig tree? Why did the disciples marvel? Jesus then proceeds to curse the tree, saying "May no one ever eat from from you again." Wouldn't that be a sin. Once the tree withered, we expect the disciples to ask why Jesus cursed it. The account Mark gives offers more detailed information about this curse from Jesus. Why would Jesus Christ - God on earth and creator of all things good - curse the fig tree. Jesus, therefore, can curse the fig tree if He so desires. While traveling from Bethany to Jerusalem four days before his death, he saw a fig tree that had abundant leaves but no fruit whatsoever. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree in Mark 11? Mar 11:22 And Jesus *answered saying to them, "Have faith in God. To see a fig tree covered with leaves but with no fruit meant that it was barren. 10 Answers. Why did Jesus associate a fig tree with the end time signs? Why did Jesus curse the fig tree, when figs weren't in season? John Bartlett Jr., AiG–U.S., examines this alleged contradiction. 5:20)—and like the fig tree, it will perish unless it repents. Mar 11:21 Being reminded, Peter *said to Him, "Rabbi, look, the fig tree which You cursed has withered." Mar 11:20 As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots {up.} Some might say “I don’t know enough…” But that is no excuse. Why did he curse the fig tree 1. Mark, the author of the book, adds the comment that "it was not the season for figs" (). Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? When Jesus cursed the fig tree, did it whither immediately or the next day? Jesus is the creator of the world In the beginning, all trees he created rought forth fruits in and out of season, there was always fruits for Adam and Eve to eat. Even before the season, fig trees produce little knobs which are eaten by a passerby. First, Jesus explains the power and importance of faith — it is faith in God that gave him the power to curse the fig tree and make it wither overnight and similar faith on the disciples’ part will give them the power to work other wonders. Let this be a lesson to us. Apparently, I have so far been interpreting it literally. (Luke 13:3). Why did Jesus curse the fig tree in the first place? The fig tree is emblematic; it is an emblem or symbol of Israel whose ritual religion is like the leaves of the tree, lacking the “fruit” of righteousness God requires (Matt. Answer. A number of questions immediately present themselves. Parable of fig tree Jesus cursing fig tree in a season where fig trees are not supposed to bear fruits were confusing to me at first. Jesus curses the fig tree because in it he has found only the appearance of fruitfulness — many leaves. Don't try to defend Jesus that he did not curse the tree. In the Bible there are only two things that ever died in Jesus’ presence: the demon-possessed pigs (Mark 5:11-13) and this fig tree. – A Bit Extreme? Roberta B. Lv 6. Bruce noted: "The other miracle is the cursing of the barren fig tree (Mk. The revelation of the action is better understood when one read verse 13 of Mark 11 in the amplified version of bible. This is part of a larger story whereby Jesus has arrived in Jerusalem (after three predictions of his impending death). The Got Questions link also explains the chronological sequence, which is highly significant. But thanks to several good resources from the internet. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. I have been wondering why Jesus cursed the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22). What had it done to deserve the severity of Jesus’ cursing? It doesn't, which Mark tells us is "because it was not the season for figs." Upon reaching the tree, all He finds are leaves; the tree had produced no fruit. However, although the cursing was an illustration for the lack of faith of the Jews who as a nation rejected Jesus as the Messiah, there was also a practical reason for the curse. Previous Questions and Answers Why did Jesus curse the fig tree for not yielding its fruit, when it was out of season?. The fact is that Jesus was hungry. Figs, unlike other trees, start producing fruit before leaves. The purpose of the fig leaf. Jesus is cursing the fig tree figuratively (no pun intended)—His curse is really for his people who are rejecting him. Real Quick. Because the leaves and the fruit typically appear at about the same time. Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? Its gleaming buildings teemed with robbery, hypocrisy, and dead ceremony. Jesus Curses the Fig Tree. Answer Save. Relevance. At this point in late spring, most fig trees haven’t developed mature fruit (Mark 11:13). Second, understanding what it means for figs to be in season shows us how Jesus can expect fruit when it is not fig season. Why did Christ CURSE the fig tree? 25 Answers. Ripe, sweet figs are harvested in the summer, the season for figs to which Mark’s gospel refers. At a distance, Jesus sees a fig tree with leaves, and being hungry, He approaches it hoping to find some fruit, since a fig tree often produces figs earlier than it produces foliage. You can tell by the language that this is historical record, not parable. There is no excuse for being unproductive. Jesus cursed the fig tree for its pretence. xi 12 ff. And if we follow the events as narrated by Matthew, Jesus had been furious the previous night (Matthew 21:12-17) and when he got … The fig should have responded to His demand at least. But Mark makes a special point of telling us at the end of vs 13 that "it was not the season for figs." Sure, there was no fruit on it. 7 months ago. The fruit of the fig tree is produced before the leaves appear, so any fig tree with leaves on should have already produced its fruit. Dr. Pitre connects the fig tree to the fall of Adam and Eve and the cleansing of the Temple to Isaiah's prophecy of eunuchs who will minister to … Being reminded, Peter said to him, “Rabbi, look, the fig tree which you cursed has withered.” And Jesus answered saying to them, “Have faith in God.” (Mark 11:20–22) Look again at the last four words in that passage. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. With that expectation, Jesus inspects the tree… In order to put this situation into sharper focus, the student needs to examine the meaning behind this action by Christ. Relevance. We provide over 4,500 articles and personal responses to questions about life, God, and the Bible here and at www.GotQuestions.org He had a desire and when his desire was not fulfilled, he kind of acted impulsively and retaliated. The fig tree was created by God to give pleasure and satisfy hunger. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? As the late renowned NT scholar F.F. I'm posting it for the benefit of anyone else who may have similar questions. We answer that question in this week's episode of Real Truth. It doesn't bring life, or restoration; a tree gets cursed. Many fault Jesus for cursing the tree. When did Jesus speak these words? Clarke concludes that Jesus did not curse the fig tree out of resentment for disappointing Him by not having any fruit, but to emphasize to His disciples just how devastating God's wrath would be on the Jews, "who had now nearly filled up the measure of their iniquity." Some argue that Jesus was just using a simple horticultural observation. Favourite answer. There is a very reasonable explanation why Jesus cursed the fig tree even though it wasn’t the season for figs. Is it a morally conscious being, capable of sinning by not bearing fruit? Its foliage signals that it should have early figs. If “the fig tree withered at once,” as Matthew says, why did not the disciples notice it until the next day, as Mark affirms? In Mark 11, as Jesus is entering the temple he stops to inspect a fig tree to find out if it has any fruit. BJ. 21:20;). When the Lord first saw the tree, he was yet “afar off.” He could only discern that it had leaves (v. 13). It’s an early bloomer. 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