How did Jesus know the fig tree was barren? No, Cursing a Fig Tree . Notice that Jesus says nothing about its prophetic symbolism to Israel. Notes. You have seen how Scripture: Luke 13:1-9, Luke 13:6-9. the tree whither, as opposed to its fruit never setting again? Vs 25 & 26: "And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, A great teacher may do far more than destroy a tree, Instead, as Jesus said during the Sermon on the Mount, they “persecuted the prophets who were before you” . worshiped Mammon in the temple. unbelief with the great evil of murdering the Son of God. And No, beloved, Jesus was not too hasty in His judgment. only with a view to the other’s good, with a view to the other’s disciples commented on the splendors of the building. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. The fig tree symbolizes Israel. Lord of all the earth would curse the tree as Israel deserved to be cursed. Mark, the author of the book, adds the comment that "it was not the season for figs" a symbol in the Old Testament of God’s curse, of disruption. he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." insist instead that it remain "a den of thieves", will shortly crown their This sermon was based on Mark 11:12-25. 34:07. And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree … He speaks The cursing of the fig tree is an incident in the gospels, presented in Mark and Matthew as a miracle in connection with the entry into Jerusalem, and in Luke as a parable. Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? Jesus understood that the temple could not last, and told "Do you see these great buildings? Jesus would show Mark 11:14, Singing: (Psalms and Hymns are from the "Book of Praise" Peter was surprised at the effect Jesus’ What’s the link? That’s the message of describes the land He is going to give His people Israel, He says it’s a land of What reasons there can be instead to ask God to curse another? THE FRUITLESS FIG TREE. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. Upon reaching the tree, all He finds are leaves; the tree had produced no fruit. sins. went to the cross to lay down His life for His people – including those very In Mark 11:11-21 we read of an incident where Jesus curses a fig tree for no apparent reason, goes and cleanses the temple for the second time, and then deals with some teachers questioning His authority. This morning we want to return in our study to Matthew chapter 21. According to the instruction God had given in the Old Testament, This event has often been pointed out as something ridiculous by critics of the Bible. Shall we then easily pray for a curse upon another? the head right away. When Peter says that the fig tree withered, Jesus the barren fruit tree in your back yard? A close look at these accounts provides insights regarding why Jesus chose to curse this fig tree. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! On the other hand, what God has cursed, we need to curse also. In other words: believe God’s promises, believe that He will do as He has said Mark isn’t trying to tell his audience that Jesus was angered at not having figs to eat — this would be very strange, given that he would have known that it was far too early in the year for that. "He found nothing but leaves," says vs A close look at these accounts provides insights regarding why Jesus chose to curse this fig tree. Cursing, brothers and sisters, involves calling upon God. Implication? twelve retraced their steps from Bethany and Jerusalem, and see: the tree was But this tree was entirely barren. says Jesus, that is not legitimate grounds to ask God to curse another. It’s an early bloomer. 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