And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
Matthew 21:19
“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. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.”
Mark 11:13-14
We know that Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover. That means it was the month of Nisan which is equivalent to our late March or early April. I haven’t been trying to raise fruit trees long, but I know that April is a bit early to be looking for figs on trees.
So, what is going on here?
During that time of year, fig trees would only have buds or small leaves, but this one particular tree had big full leaves like it was harvest time. Yet, there were no figs. So basically, the tree was lying.
The lesson of the barren fig tree is clearly teaching what Jesus found when He came to Jerusalem this last time. If you will recall, another lesson was taught about a fig tree earlier in Jesus’ ministry.
“He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: and if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down.
Luke 13:6-9
Jesus had provided nothing but compassion and care for Israel during His earthly ministry but the leaders and a good portion of the nation were like this fig tree. They put forth a “show of righteousness” but they produced no real fruit.
John the Baptist declared this during his ministry:
But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Matthew 3:7-9
And now, at the end of Jesus’ ministry, they not only show no improvement, they have gotten worse. They now seek to kill Jesus!
The fact is, God knows our hearts. Men may be fooled by an outward show of religion or social media discipleship, but God knows whether there is true fruit in our lives.
Jerusalem was cursed by God for turning away from Him. Even with all the efforts of men to rebuild Israel, the area still remains a dangerous desolation compared to its former glory. It will never recover.
When we consider all that Christ has done for us, it should move us to live more for Him.
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
Ephesians 4:1
This means we have been born again to walk uprightly. God, by His grace has delivered us from the grip of sin. It would be a shame if we returned to our selfishness like the Pharisees and became nothing more than a lying fig tree.
Lowrance Ministries 