Matthew 21:18-22

Matthew 21:18-22
The story of Jesus cursing the fruitless fig tree has often confused Bible students. The key to understanding the story is knowing the nature of fig trees. Fig trees put on fruit first, then their leaves. A fig tree with leaves indicates there is fruit. Therefore, this fig tree with leaves is proudly announcing that it has fruit, but it does not. Jesus therefore curses the tree. The bigger issue is, what does this have to do with this point in Jesus’ ministry? The fig tree is a symbol of Jerusalem. Jerusalem had long been just like this tree. The city and the nation of Israel had proudly proclaimed that they were God’s people and that they served God. But it had all be an outward show. John the Baptist said it best: “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance….Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire (Mt. 3:8, 10). God looked for true obedience, not just an outward worship.
We face the same problem today. Many who worship God live lives that do not reflect God’s character. Worship does not “undo” sinful living. We cannot live by the world’s standards during the week and then piously worship on Sunday and think we are pleasing to God. In Amos 5, Amos condemned Israel in his day by saying that God hated their worship. Instead, he challenged them to, “Let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream” (Amos 5:24).
Apparently the disciples missed the parallel between the tree and Jerusalem. Instead, they expressed amazement that the fig tree withered so quickly. Jesus replied that if they had faith and did not doubt, they could command a mountain to be cast into the sea. Obviously the apostles never literally did such nor had the occasion to do so. However, they did “move mountains.” Through their preaching the gospel spread, the world was turned upside down, and all of history was changed. With faith that God was with them, there would be nothing that could stop them.
Berry Kercheville