The Fig Tree

And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” Immediately the fig tree withered away. Matthew 21:19

 Passover, the feast at which Jesus was crucified and rose again, begins tomorrow.  So, this seems like a good time to confess that for years I thought that Jesus cursing the fig tree was random. It seemed totally unrelated to the narrative. I’m embarrassed by this because it is actually THE spiritual pivot point which opened the way of salvation for me and for you.

In context, Jesus entered Jerusalem as King and the whole city was stirred (the triumphal entry v. 10). Jesus’ entrance was a spiritual earthquake. The whole city stopped their preparations for the feast to see what would happen next. The people were hoping that Jesus, who was announcing Himself as King, would deliver them from the oppression of Roman. Instead, Jesus cleansed the Temple (v. 12), and reestablished prayer in the house of God (v. 14). So, instead of delivering them from physical oppression, Jesus was (and IS!) offering them freedom from spiritual oppression.

Many individuals accepted Jesus’ freedom. The blind and lame came to Him in the temple (v. 14). He opened their eyes (salvation) and healed their walk (sanctification).  But the chief priests and the scribes, who represented the nation as a whole, were indignant (v. 15). Israel, as a nation had not recognized their visitation (Luke 19:44).

Individuals will come to Jesus, but the nation as a whole is the disobedient son in the parable of the two sons (v. 28-32). Worse yet, they are the wicked vine growers who killed the son in the parable of the landowner (v. 33-45).

The fig tree also represents the nation of Israel as a whole. Jesus declared that they would be unfruitful. This is the spiritual pivot where Israel’s branch on the olive tree was broken off and ours (gentiles) was grafted in (Rom. 11:7-36). Salvation had (and HAS!) come to us! Praise God!

I rejoice in the opportunity to share in the Kingdom of God. I am delighted to bear fruit for Him. Yet, I also pray for the nation of Israel.

God made a covenant with Israel that He will take away their sins (Rom. 11:27). The gifts and calling of God are irrevocable (Rom. 11:29). In God’s perfect timing, the eyes of the nation of Israel will be opened, and they will mourn over Him whom they pierced (Zec.12:10). Together we (Jews and Gentiles) will be that “one new man” that Jesus is creating for Himself (Eph. 2:15). How Jesus must yearn for that day. Come, Lord Jesus, Come!