The gospels of Matthew and Mark include an account of Jesus withering a fig tree. In (Matthew 21:18–22) and Mark (Mark 11:12–14 and Mark 20-24), Jesus and some associates are leaving Bethany when Jesus approaches a fig tree to collect fruit from it. Since it is the wrong season, there are no figs. Seeing this, Jesus curses the fig tree to never bear fruit again. In Mark, the next day Simon Peter notices that the fig tree has withered. In Matthew, the fig tree withers immediately and is noticed at that time by unnamed disciples.
2007-10-30 15:21:47 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Finally someone who makes sense.
Sir Bonsai of Bob
2007-10-30 15:54:11 · update #1
(((BB))) Takes a real preacher
2007-10-30 15:57:37 · update #2
Jesus could have whipped up some fig newtons,but chose to make a statement rather than a snack.
He was making a point concerning the spiritual state of the Jewish nation...I also see it as a type and shadow of the spiritual state of the church as well as individual believers...
"Every tree that bringeth not forth good "FRUIT", shall be cut down, and shall be cast into the fire"(not speaking of bonsai trees here...but rather the fruit produced in the life of professing believers....Yikes!!
Preach the word; be ready in "season and out of season"; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.
(((Dr. "Zizzapp in the house")))
2007-10-30 15:51:02 · answer #1 · answered by bonsai bobby 7 · 8⤊ 2⤋
It was an action-parable. Only some listen to his words, but very few know how to read Jesus' actions. The fig tree was the nation of Israel, the leaves were John the Baptist and the fruit was turning to God by their actions which they failed to do.
If you want the spoken equivalent to this parable, look in Matthew 3 where John the Baptist explains the same dynamic. Its still true today, I can see it all around me, peoples' lives wither if they do not respond to God positively in what they actually do, (not only in what they say).
2007-10-30 20:41:45 · answer #2 · answered by Steven Ring 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
This account is an example of the results unfruitfulness in the life of a Christian. Just as Jesus cursed the unfruitful fig tree, so will unfruitful Christians. It is the responsibility of the believer to witness about Christ's love and sacrifice for sinful mankind. If we do not bear good fruit by sharing the gospel with others then everything else is for nothing. If Christ can go to Calvary for us how can we do less for His kingdom?
gatita_63109
2007-10-30 15:35:12 · answer #3 · answered by gatita 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
The tree was actually in season for figs, Jesus cursed it as an example to Jews who should have known the seasons and seen the Messiah was at hand but did not heed the signs and followed him
2007-10-30 15:30:38 · answer #4 · answered by Jesse D 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Figs are an analogy of people. Jer 24, There are two types of figs, good and bad.
If you notice the Fig tree had no fruit? So it is symbolic of the bad Figs/tares, they are cursed.
2007-10-30 15:34:35 · answer #5 · answered by Theophilus 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Good idea...! Was Jesus smashed? It is possible by all that cursing! But did you notice that after that episode he goes around telling everybody, "learn the parable of the fig tree"... suddenly after that fiasco he became an expert on fig trees!...
2007-10-30 15:51:41 · answer #6 · answered by Opus 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Perhaps the fig tree was surrounded by kryponite. Anyway it was much easier to come back after dark and urinate on the fig tree.
2007-10-30 15:44:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
You need bible study. I cannot believe people actually think this has to do with a fig tree or um could this be another ...whats it called? Oh that's right...Parable that Jesus was so well known for telling.
2007-10-30 15:37:05 · answer #8 · answered by Lisa2000 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
We are here to do good. God needs our co-operation in doing good. He cannot force people to be good, otherwise they would not really be good. Real good is done for the love of Christ, who died for our sakes. If we do not do good, our bad consciences will wither us up in eternity.
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2007-10-30 22:45:52 · answer #9 · answered by miller 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps this is a parable to tell us that getting rid of trees is how best to deal with global warming.
2007-10-30 21:15:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋