Holy Monday - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus cursed the fig tree because it did not bear fruit (Matt. 21:18-21).

"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.  When the disciples saw this, they were amazed.  'How did the fig tree wither so quickly?' they asked.  Jesus replied, 'Truly I tell you, if you have the faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was don to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.  If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.'"

The cursing of the fig tree is an incident in the gospel, presented in Mark and Matthew as a miracle in connection with the entry into Jerusalem, and in Luke as a parable.  The cursing of the fig tree is connected with the cleansing of the temple.  The image is taken from the Old Testament symbol of the fig tree representing Israel, and the cursing of the fig tree in Mark and Matthew and the parallel story in Luke are symbolically directed against the Jews, who have not accepted Jesus as king.

Figs generally appear on fig trees in February, followed by leaves, which are not formed until late Spring. Jesus cursed the tree because it was well past fruit-bearing season, yet it was still unproductive.   Is there spiritual fruit on your tree? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? When we accept Jesus as Lord, He gives us the Holy Spirit to enable us to bear fruit. The Bible states in Luke 13:8, "And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down." We should do what God requires and bear much fruit in developing godly character and in loving one another (Gal. 5:22).  If we do not bear fruit then for what good are we?  Why are we here?  

The parable of the sower highlights the importance of bearing fruit (Matthew 13:3-23 & Mark 4:3-20).  In the parable, seed is thrown on four types of soil, but only seed planted in good soil grew plants that produced fruit.  When we hear, receive and obey the Word of God believers can bear much fruit.  When we reject the Word of God because of stony hearts, we will not bear fruit.  

Finally, believers are to be faithful branches of the Vine of Christ.  In John 15:1-8, Jesus tells his disciples, I am the vine, you are the branches; he that abide in me, and I in him, will bring forth much fruit.  Further He says, If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father's glory that you bear much fruit showing yourselves to be my disciples (vv7-8).  This last statement mirrors what Jesus said in Matthew 21:20-21.  The important point here is to have faith in prayer.