When Jesus and the disciples were going from the town of Bethany to Jerusalem, Jesus saw a fig tree leaved out and went to it to see if there were any figs on it. He was hungry, but there were no figs, only leaves. This was in the spring and not the time of ripe figs. Yet, since the leaves were out, there should have been figs on the tree, although perhaps green. A fig tree is not like other trees; its fruit starts to grow before the leaves.
The next day, when the disciples passed that way, they saw that the fig tree was dried up from the roots. A fig tree is a very sturdy, strong tree, and the disciples wondered that this one was so soon withered (Matt. 21:20-2120And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! 21Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. (Matthew 21:20‑21)). They spoke to Jesus to look at it, and He said to them, “Have faith in God.”
The Careful Judge
His answer showed that the spoiling of the tree was not natural, but by the power and judgment of God. And it was for a purpose, not to please Himself, but to teach a lesson to the disciples and us, who now read the story. Since Jesus knew all things, He knew before that the tree had no figs, but He went Himself to prove it. This shows how careful He is as Judge: Nothing will ever be unjustly judged by Him.
And we notice it was a tree, not a person that He cursed, or judged. He has great mercy for men, women, boys and girls, and He is ready to bless them. But things which are said to be for God but are only a display, without true love and work for Him, will be judged.
The nation of Israel had been like a tree, to grow and bear “fruit” for God. Jesus, the Son of God, came Himself to see if there were “fruit,” true service, but found none, only a display of sacrifices and laws. From that time it was no longer a nation for God, but “withered away.”
Jesus also told the disciples to have faith — believe that God would do what they asked of Him, even so great a thing as to remove a mountain and cast it into the sea.
The Point of the Story
But the withered fig tree seems to specially teach of what would be prayed for in judgment. Christians do not pray for God to judge, because He is now waiting to bless. But the Psalms give prayers of the people of God asking for judgment. Men, like the disciples, of the same nation, in their greatest trouble will pray for punishment on their enemies, which will then be for His honor, and their faith is to be in God (Psa. 143:1212And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant. (Psalm 143:12)). The Lord Jesus also said, “When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Further Meditation
1. Where else in the Scripture does the Lord “investigate” before He judges?
2. What other use of “fruit” as a symbol is given in the Scripture?
3. An excellent introduction to the subject of forgiveness can be found in Bible Questions and Answers by H. P. Barker.