No Figs Mark 11:12-21
For the past four or five weeks we looked at lessons of faith demonstrated in Paul’s life.
Then we looked at some theology demonstrated through the nation of Israel out in the desert during the Exodus. So I thought it was time to go back and look at an event from Jesus life.
This episode with Jesus cursing the fig tree used to confuse me. I get that Jesus was hungry, but Jesus cursing the tree because there was no fruit; a little overboard don’t you think.
I started to do some reading and I noticed the fig tree is mentioned both before Jesus enters the temple and after he leaves it. And this is the basis of the spiritual meaning behind what is going on here. Obviously, Jesus didn’t curse this tree because he didn’t get any figs, there’s something deeper here.
First thing to notice is in verse 13, “Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf…” The tree was set off a way in the distance. Notice scripture also says, “a fig tree,” One tree set apart for travelers to see. Can you think what this might represent? This tree represents the nation of Israel in Jesus day. A nation of God set apart by God. A nation held by and blessed by God. A nation other nations and peoples can see God work in. If you go back to Ezekiel in the Old Testament, its chapter 17 talks about Israel as a seedling in fertile soil. Here in Mark the Holy Spirit is using this image to make his point.
Our reading says this tree is in leaf. It’s showy, it’s drawing attention to itself. It’s saying “Look, I’m blessed among the other plants here; come see me and be nourished.” Israel at the time was also bringing attention to itself by avoiding the ways of the nations around it. Israel was saying “We have God, come near and see what God has given us.
Back to verse 13, “…when he reached it he found nothing but leaves…” The tree was showy but fruitless. The tree beckoned you to come see but gave no nourishment. Now if the tree represents Israel, what does the condition of the tree say about the condition of the nation? Jesus is in Jerusalem for the Passover and this is where we find our answer.
By Jesus day Passover had become a celebration. Thousands of people came to Jerusalem to celebrate, to party, to have a grand time. But they lost the reverence for what the day commemorates; God passing over them when he took the first born in Egypt because of the sacrificial blood.
Verse 15, “Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there.” One thing they were selling there were sacrificial animals and doves. Now I can see how for many, because of how this was being done, almost like a gift shop, the real feeling and reverence for God can be lost.
Sadly today Christmas can be like this for many. Buying gifts, putting up trees and lights, watching the parade in Disney on TV; it becomes a hollow celebration with many including Christians, losing the meaning of the day; the birth of the savior of mankind. As Jesus was saddened and angered by what was happening in the temple, I’m sure he is saddened and angered by how we have made Christmas and Easter about trees and lights, eggs and bunnies, rather than times to remember him by giving solemn thanks for him and his sacrifice.
It’s also conjectured that things like food, clothing and trinkets may have been sold at the temple also. This may have angered Jesus because it totally takes the honor of God out of the equation. People may have been buying food or presents to bring home or to others making the Passover about a party, making it a secular celebration void of reverence or thanks for God.
Not to harp on it but we need to be cautious of this. We can get so wrapped up in finding the perfect Christmas gift or making our favorite Easter dinner, we completely leave God and our thanks for Jesus and the cross and the resurrection out of our celebrations.
Moving on. When we get to verse 18 we see the tree turns from representing the natin to representing the Pharisees and priests; verse 18, “The chief priests and teachers of the law heard him…”
What can a fig tree say about the Pharisees and religious leaders? Matthew 23:5, “Everything they do is done for people to see. They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long…” The Pharisees were all about show. Like the fruitless tree that gave no nourishment, the leaders by teaching the letter of the law without the spirit of the law gave no spiritual nourishment. They led few if any closer to God.
Verse 20, “In the morning as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots.”
From the day of Jesus the sharing of his teachings, his sacrifice, and his spirit in the lives of men has been mostly given over to the Gentiles.
Last week I said I wasn’t trying to put down Israel and I’m not here either. There is a reason for this circumstance. Our readings verse 13, “…because it was not the season for figs.” The tree had no fruit because it wasn’t supposed to. The fruit has been taken away from Israel because it is supposed to be. It is God’s plan that it happens this way. Therefore Israel had to reject Jesus so his message can more readily spread among the Gentiles. The fruit was not taken from Israel because of what they chose but because it was necessary for God’s plan for all mankind to play out.
Now before anyone thinks it, God has not forgotten his chosen people of Israel, and he promises to restore the fruit to them in his time; Joel 2:22-23, “The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches. Be glad…rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given you the autumn rains because he is faithful.” Amos 9:14, “and I will bring my people Israel back from exile.” Zechariah 8:12, “The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops…I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people.”
Through the prophets God tells Israel its future. In Revelation John tells us what that future will be; Revelation 7:4, “Then I heard the number of those who were sealed: 144,000 from all the tribes of Israel.” At the end of the age the people of Israel throughout the world will lead multitudes to faith in the Messiah Christ Jesus. And then we learn what these 144,000 and other modern-day prophets accomplish; Revelation 7:9, “…there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Everything in the Bible tells us something, everything has a lesson for us. This account of the cursed fig tree tells us about God’s plan. And it also gives warning to today’s churches. If a church of God withholds their blessings due to hesitation, fear, a desire to keep resources in house; then God will withhold his blessing in the form of growth, peace, and influence in the world in his name. When withholding spiritual nourishment and being just for show, a church will wither just like the fig tree.
I pray we will always share our blessings, our fruit with others.
Amen