The Cursing of the Fig Tree is a significant part of the events that took place in the Holy Scriptures. Many Christians often have trouble fully understanding “Why did Jesus curse the Fig Tree?”. It comes off as a surprising moment for the believers and there have been continuous debates around this event. In the Synoptic Gospels, there are several mentions of Jesus cursing this tree.
Undoubtedly, it is a very odd moment in Christian history. People are known to raise the same question that why did the tree get cursed for not bearing any fruit. Their doubts arise because this cursing was unnecessary. Indeed, the tree could only bear fruit in selective seasons. In the historical context, the Ancient Israel is often compared with the fruitless nature of this Fig Tree.
This event also seems to be connected with Jesus’ ministry on earth and his entry into the Jerusalem. According to Christian scholars and the Bible verses, it also teaches a great lesson to humanity. Actually, there is a lot of symbolism hidden behind this event. If you wish to uncover more relevant information around this topic, stay tuned. This blog will cover Why did Jesus curse the Fig Tree? and much more.
Why Did Jesus Curse The Fig Tree? – 6 Main Reasons, Historical Context, & Symbolism
- The Cursing of the Fig Tree is considered to be symbolic for the judgement on Ancient Israel. This is one of the biggest reasons claimed by Christian scholars. To be specific, this event was a direct reference to the religious leadership in Ancient Israel. As you may know, the Fig Tree looked to be full of fruits but didn’t have anything other than leaves. Hence, the absence of real fruit is compared to the Ancient Israel. This nation is represented to be empty in a spiritual context.
- On the other hand, this cursing event is often perceived as a warning against hypocrisy of the Roman leaders. For example, the Matthew 23 verse mentions the same context. Jesus Christ was strictly against and condemned hypocrisy when it came to religion. According to him, the Fig Tree represented a religious that wasn’t righteous.
- Many people question why Jesus had to curse the tree even though it beared fruit in specific seasons. Well, it is not associated with irritation by most of the scholars. Instead, this event was a lesson carried out through real life actions. He wanted to teach humanity about real faith and fruitful religion.
- Speaking of which, faith is at the centre of this event. As has been noted, Jesus Christ shared teachings about faith in God. His disciples witnessed the cursing event and Simon Peter even commented on it. Jesus Christ tells them about the power of faith and praying to God.
- Jesus Christ cursing the Fig Tree is often linked with the Temple judgement. Cleansing of the temple and this event were very close to each other. Even the leadership at the temple was deemed to be barren similar to the fruitless Fig Tree.
- The spiritual depth of this event cannot be denied at all. According to John 15:5-8, “genuine faith must produce fruit”. Cursing the Fig Tree was Jesus’s way of establishing spiritual beliefs. It showcases that God expects spiritual growth, faith and obedience from the followers.
Top 5 Bible Verses Revolving Around This Event – Why did Jesus curse the Fig Tree?”
The accounts of this cursing event are mainly mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Further, the most prominent Bible verses associated with this event are mentioned below:
| No | Gospel | Bible Verses Explained |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Matthew 21:18-19 | This verse showcases Jesus being hungry early in the morning while he was going back to the city. That’s when he saw the Fig Tree but it only has leaves and no fruit. Jesus said to the tree “May you never bear fruit again!”. Immediately, the impact of his curse could be seen on the Fig Tree. Jesus’ disciples were amazed by this event. They wondered how the Fig Tree withered almost instantly. |
| 2. | Matthew 21:20-22 | In continuation of the cursing, Jesus shares his teachings revolving around faith. As the disciples were questioning how the tree withered so fast, Jesus gave a guided response. He said “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt…whatever you ask in prayer, you shall receive.” |
| 3. | Mark 11:12-14 | This Gospel gives another account of Jesus cursing the Fig Tree. Everyone was passing by the tree again in the morning to check what happened. That’s when they saw how the Fig Tree has dried completely to its roots. The cursing of this Fig Tree was witnessed by the disciples of Jesus Christ. |
| 4. | Mark 11:20-21 | Indeed, this Bible verse mainly highlights the comment made by Simon Peter. As the Fig Tree was already dried out due to the curse, Peter said to Jesus “Look, the Fig Tree that you cursed has withered”. |
| 5. | Mark 11:22-24 | This Bible verse is yet another account of Jesus’ teachings about faith. After the Fig Tree dried out due to the curse, Jesus shared valuable teachings with the disciples. He did so as a response to Peter’s comment. Jesus’ encourages the disciples to have faith in God. In a way, he shares these teachings with all of humanity. He emphasizes on the power of prayer and belief. And, that you can accomplish anything through faith. |
Honourable Mentions:
- The Hosea 9:10 Bible verse represents how Ancient Israel was compared to the fruitless Fig Tree.
- Like 13:6-9 also mentions the teachings of Jesus Christ revolving around the dried out Fig Tree.
- In the Old Testament, Jeremiah 8:13 is one of the few verses that paints a picture of this Fig Tree cursing event.
The Old Testament & Hebrew Scriptures – Why did Jesus curse the Fig Tree?
In the Jewish Scriptures too, Fig Trees are very symbolic but in different contexts. According to 1 Kings 4:25 and Micah 4:4, Fig Trees represent prosperity, blessings, peace, and security. “Each man under his vibe and fig tree” is a very common saying.
Additionally, the prophets used the Fig Trees to showcase spiritual decay, barren nature, and judgement. This is mentioned in Jeremiah 8:13 and Hosea 9:10. Jesus cursing the Fig Tree was an action directed against the Jewish beliefs and leaders. They didn’t accept Jesus Christ as their King and this led to the cursing event.
Conclusion
Needless to say, the cursing of the Fig Tree has a deeply symbolic meaning behind it. It is often regarded as a sign of judgement against “fruitless” religion and spirituality. Jesus Christ was strictly against corrupt worship and hypocrisy at the time. That’s why, he cursed the Fig Tree and shared his teachings. Showing everyone the importance of faith and prayer made this moment iconic. Instead of looking at it as a odd moment, you should learn from the symbolism.
FAQs
1. Why didn’t the Fig Tree have any fruits?
It only beared fruits in selective seasons of the years.
2. Was it unfair for Jesus to curse this Fig Tree?
Even though it may seem like it, the cursing event wasn’t unfair. It showcases that spiritual emptiness and false hope has no place in this world.
3. Which Gospels mention the cursing of the Fig Tree?
In the New Testament, only the Gospel of Mark and Matthew provide accounts of this cursing event.
Also, Read: Who Denied Jesus Three Times? | How Many Disciples Did Jesus Have?
