THE LAST WEEK OF JESUS' PUBLIC MINISTRY AND HIS CRUCIFIXION

-The Barren Fig Tree Cursed

-Matthew 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14

-On Monday morning, Jesus and His apostles began a return trip to Jerusalem.  “Breakfast with

 the Jews came late in the forenoon, and these closing days of our Lord’s ministry were so full

 of activity that he did not have time to tarry at Bethany for it” (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 580).

-Along the way, Jesus came to a fig tree that had leaves but no fruit.  Jesus, in order to utilize this

 tree in teaching an important lesson to the apostles, stated, “Let no fruit grow on thee

 henceforward for ever” (Matt 21:19).  He spoke these words so that the apostles could hear them.

            -“Difficulties have been raised regarding our Lord’s unique action.  Some say that it was an

             act of injustice, seeing it was not ‘the season of figs.’  Why should He expect fruit when it

             was not the season?  But although the usual time of figs was about June, it was in the month

             of April the tree was cursed.  There was, however, a king of first ripe fig, before the time of

             the full harvest of figs, found on certain trees, as Isaiah points out (Isaiah 28:4).  This was a

             fact of nature known by all of those with Jesus.  Whenever such first ripe figs appeared, they

             did so before the leaves appeared...Leaves suggest fruitfulness, but fruit was lacking which

             indicated a false development of show and appearance.  The tree had failed in its purpose

             and was therefore smitten with destruction” (Lockyer, Parables, pg 221). 

            -“Jesus pronounced a malediction on the tree, not from any ill will to it for not bearing fruit,

             since it had no choice in the case, but as a parable acted before the disciples, to impress on

             their memories, in the most striking manner, the destiny of the city of Jerusalem and the

             Jewish race” (Boles, Matthew, pg 417).

            -“...[O]ur Lord's conduct towards this tree is to be considered as emblematical of the

             treatment and final perdition which was to come upon this hypocritical and ungodly nation...

            It was a proper time for them to have borne fruit: Jesus had been preaching the doctrine of

            repentance and salvation among them for more than three years; the choicest influences of

            Heaven had descended upon them; and everything was done in this vineyard that ought to be

            done, in order to make it fruitful” (Clarke). 

-As Christians, we are expected to bear fruit for the Lord.  This fig tree should serve as a warning

 against failing to do so.