Jesus and the fig tree

The account of Jesus speaking to the fig tree is a powerful story with deep spiritual lessons. It’s recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, where Jesus curses a fig tree for its lack of fruit, and the tree withers. Though it might seem like a simple or puzzling incident, this act of Jesus carries profound lessons about faith, fruitfulness, and judgment.

The Story of the Fig Tree

Mark 11:12-14 (KJV) recounts the event:
"And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it."

Later, the disciples notice the outcome of Jesus’ curse:
Mark 11:20-21 (KJV):
"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away."

On the surface, this incident can be confusing. Why would Jesus curse a tree that wasn’t bearing fruit if, as the passage notes, it wasn’t even the season for figs? The answer lies in understanding the spiritual symbolism behind the fig tree and Jesus' actions.

Lesson 1: Spiritual Fruitfulness Matters

In the Bible, the fig tree often symbolizes Israel (Hosea 9:10, Jeremiah 24). The leaves of the fig tree represent outward religious appearance, but the lack of fruit represents a lack of true righteousness and faithfulness. In this story, Jesus uses the fig tree to teach that outward appearance isn’t enough — what truly matters is spiritual fruit.

The fig tree had leaves, which suggested it might have fruit, but it didn’t. Similarly, Israel had the outward appearance of religiosity — the Temple, the sacrifices, and the Law — but it was spiritually barren. God expects His people to bear spiritual fruit, not just show signs of religious activity without a heart aligned to Him.

This is a warning against hypocrisy: appearing righteous on the outside but lacking true faith and obedience to God on the inside. Jesus wants us to understand that He is looking for genuine fruit in our lives, not just outward appearances of faith.

Matthew 7:16-17 (KJV) says:
"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit."

Lesson 2: The Importance of Faith

After the disciples expressed amazement that the fig tree had withered so quickly, Jesus used the moment to teach them about the power of faith:

Mark 11:22-24 (KJV):
"And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

The withering of the fig tree became a lesson on the power of believing prayer. Jesus emphasizes that true faith — faith without doubt — can accomplish the impossible. Just as Jesus spoke to the fig tree and it withered, believers are encouraged to speak to the “mountains” in their lives with unwavering faith.

This lesson challenges us to:

  • Have faith in God: Trust Him completely, without doubting, for what He has promised.
  • Pray with boldness: Pray believing that God can and will move in response to faith-filled prayers.

Lesson 3: Judgment and Accountability

The fig tree also represents God's judgment on those who fail to bear spiritual fruit. Jesus’ cursing of the tree was symbolic of the judgment that was coming upon Israel for its rejection of Him as the Messiah. Just as the fig tree was withered for not bearing fruit, Israel would face judgment for its spiritual barrenness and lack of faith.

In Luke 13:6-9 (KJV), Jesus shares a parable about a fig tree that had not produced fruit for three years. The owner of the vineyard wanted to cut it down, but the gardener asked for more time to fertilize and care for it, hoping it would eventually bear fruit. This parable points to God's patience, but also His eventual judgment if there is no repentance and fruitfulness.

The Bible reminds us that God expects us to live fruitful lives — lives that demonstrate our faith through love, obedience, and good works. Jesus said:

John 15:2 (KJV):
"Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."

Lesson 4: Seasons of Fruitfulness

Although it wasn’t the season for figs, Jesus used this moment to show that there should always be spiritual fruit in our lives. We may go through different "seasons" in our Christian walk, but God is always looking for fruit — evidence of our growth, obedience, and love for Him and others.

Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV) outlines what this spiritual fruit looks like:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

If we are truly connected to Christ, the true vine (John 15:5), we will naturally bear this kind of fruit.

Conclusion: What Can We Learn?

  1. God desires genuine fruit in our lives — not just religious appearances, but true spiritual growth and obedience.
  2. Faith is powerful — with faith in God, we can move mountains and overcome impossible situations.
  3. God is patient, but He also judges — if there is no fruit, there is accountability.
  4. Fruitfulness should be continual — as followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that consistently bear the fruit of the Spirit.

Closing Prayer:

Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, we come to You asking for hearts that bear true spiritual fruit. Help us to not only appear righteous, but to live lives that are filled with love, faith, and obedience. As Jesus said, "Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away." (John 15:2). Lord, prune us so that we may grow and bear more fruit for Your kingdom. Strengthen our faith, and help us to trust You without doubt, knowing that all things are possible with You. We ask this in the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.

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