Jesus Curses the Fig Tree, And It Withers
We’ve all done it. We’ve read a story many times without really understanding its meaning. Finally, the story of the fig tree revealed its meaning to me. Jesus was on his way back to Jerusalem in the morning and was hungry when he saw a fig tree flourishing with leaves, and he wanted some figs even though they weren’t quite in season. I think he would have eaten them green if the tree had any. When he saw that there were none to be eaten, he cursed it never to produce again, and it withered immediately. The disciples were amazed.
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
Not only did Jesus come to save, but he also came to judge. The fig tree that was cursed and withered is a representation of those who show up clothed in the beauty of righteousness, but produce no fruit. Further, if you do walk in righteousness, it is not of yourselves, but the righteousness of Jesus that you are clothed in. Salvation is life, and anyone outside of Jesus is doomed for destruction like the fig tree.
It was in this story that Jesus told his disciples that if they had faith and not doubt, they could move a mountain.
Jesus 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. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:21-22
Given this much power, we should use our words carefully, especially when it comes to the well-being of others.
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