The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. 13 Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” 14 And his disciples heard it.
20 Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. 23 Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. 25 When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.
There was a fig tree in the Garden of Eden and Adam and Eve sewed together leaves from the tree to hide their nakedness (Gen. 3:7). In the Bible the fig tree is used as a symbol of Israel; “Like grapes in the desert, I found Israel; Like the first fruits of the fig tree, its first to ripen, I looked on your ancestors (Hosea 9:10). When Israel was a young nation, God looked favorably on Israel; “Judah and Israel lived in security, everyone under their own vine and fig tree from Dan to Beer-sheba (1 Kings 5:5).” When Israel turned from God a barren fig tree was used to describe what will happen to them (Joel 1:12)”
Jesus’ journey from Caesarea Philippi ended at Jerusalem. This story is different because instead of Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of Heaven which results in conversion, he utters a curse. Jesus’ behavior in cursing the fig tree seems strange but it is a symbolic act. Giving a warning in this manner was a method of teaching used in the OT (see Is. 20:1-6; Jer. 13:1-11). Jesus knew that the figs would not be ripe at that time of the year, yet he cursed the tree. What he said was aimed at the Jews who refused to accept his teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven but it was also intended to teach the disciples something they had not yet grasped. Those who refused to accept his words, act on his words, and produce good works will be punished. It applies to the Christian Church as well. The withered fig tree was also a sign of Jesus’ power which he could use at any time to destroy his enemies. Instead, Jesus voluntarily submitted to the Cross and used his power over death to give life.
The next day, when Peter saw that the tree had completely withered, he drew it to Jesus’ attention. Jesus did not explain the symbolism but told the disciples to, “Have faith in God” (v. 22). With confident faith in God, they could perform great acts of power. Faith is necessary in order to perform deeds of power even if they seem impossible. Whatever disciples of Christ confidently ask for in prayer will be granted to them by God as long as they believe they will receive it. In OT times standing was normally how people prayed. Kneeling or lying prostrate was a sign of humbly entreating God. The disciples are reminded of the need to forgive others before seeking forgiveness from God (Mt. 6:14-15).
Almighty God, look with mercy upon our transgressions and cleanse our hearts so that we may forgive others as you forgive us. Strengthen us in prayer that we may confidently ask in accordance with your will and truly believe that you will grant what we ask. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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