The Fig Tree
There are many different interpretations of the following Scripture, and, as with all Scriptures, much is contained within it. However, we will begin by focusing on just one aspect of it, which differs from what is usually taught.
The Scripture tells the story of when Jesus and His disciples were on their way to Jerusalem.
(Mark 11:12-14) 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 anything 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.
Without going into any other interpretation of the Scripture, let us take it at its simplest face value. In short, Jesus cursed the fig tree and then carried on his way. The Scripture that follows is the account of the Lord entering into the temple in Jerusalem and carrying out the acts reported in verses 15 through 19.
(Mark 11:15-19) And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;
And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.
And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? But ye have made it a den of thieves.
And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.
And when even was come, he went out of the city.
Now, look at the second part of the Scripture:
(Mark 11:20-21) 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.
The final part of this mini-teaching is in the following verse:
(Mark 11:22) And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
In order to see the great significance of this final verse, let’s go back and reopen the previous verses, beginning at verse 12….
The story begins with Jesus seeking fruit from the fig tree, and when He finds it barren He curses it. But, it is imperative that you realize that He then carries on into Jerusalem. The lesson here is not revealed until, the following day when Peter points out, probably in astonishment, that the fig tree is dried up from the roots!
Jesus did not even acknowledge this fact but took the opportunity to begin a deeper teaching about faith, and faith in God and His Word. The very fact that He cursed the tree and then went on about His business heading towards Jerusalem and doing His work of cleaning up the temple.
Nowhere does it say that once He had cursed the tree did He look back to see what was happening to it on His way to Jerusalem; nor do the Scriptures tell us that He even looked at it the following day. The story tells us that “as they passed by” Peter brought attention to it.
Don’t you think that Jesus’ led the disciples to pass the fig tree on purpose so that He could take the opportunity to teach them about faith?
Some interpretations take Jesus’ response of “have faith in God” to say “have the faith of God”
This introductory lesson from Jesus tells us that when we have faith in God, in His Word, and in the authority that He has given us, we too can speak and command things to be done, and they will be done. Jesus had no doubt about the power of His spoken word and using the results of it on the fig tree, He gave a perfect example of the power given to us.
Another important point to see here is the fact that the fig tree dried from the roots! Whenever we speak in the authority that we have been given, our words travel to the root; be that to lay hands on the sick and overcoming the cause and destroying it at the root, or to cast out any demonic force or forces. And so on. This is what He went on to say in verses 23 and 24. Have faith in God, believe in Him, His Word, and use the authority of Jesus’s name which is been given to you as a born-again Believer, – speak your desires!
(Mark 11:23) 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.
(Mark 11:24) Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Finally, to ensure that these things come about, do not doubt, and be certain that you’re not walking in any unforgiveness whatsoever…….
(Mark 11:25) And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
(Mark 11:26) But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Our Heavenly Father promises to answer our prayers and to guide us. It is our responsibility to closely follow His instructions so that we can achieve and receive all that He has intended and given to us.
A very significant point…
The fig tree died after Jesus had cursed it. But, it died from the root upward. No matter what it is, when the root is dead, the subject will not survive. The root is what feeds, and stabilizes so it is essential in itself. Just look at a plant or tree or shrub whose roots are destroyed. It doesn’t take long for it to die. Therefore, you must exercise care in what you say.
James 3:5 tells us “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!”
Barnes Commentary explains this as:
Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! – Margin, “wood.” The Greek word ὕλην hulēn, means a wood, forest, grove; and then firewood, fuel. This is the meaning here. The sense is that a very little fire is sufficient to ignite a large quantity of combustible materials, and that the tongue produces effects similar to that. A spark will kindle a lofty pile, and a word spoken by the tongue may set a neighbourhood or a village “in a flame.”
When you understand the power of both the spoken and the written words, you must also learn this principle of being careful what you say and to whom. A study of the third chapter of the book of James has much more detail. We also cover the subject in our Systematic Discipleship Program.
Things to Note and Consider:
1. Jesus cursed the fig tree, and it died. It’s important to note that it died from the roots upwards. This shows us that the essence of overcoming anything is to target the root, or root cause, to destroy it completely.
2. The deeper the roots, the stronger the hold, the more difficult it is to remove them!
3. Psalm 119 is full of requests for the Lord to keep us honest and look inwards, to our own roots. Detoxing and ripping out those evil roots, cleansing us from the inside out, restoring our souls. Cleansing them, for our souls are the prize that Satan seeks to destroy. Psalm 23 tells us that the Lord will restore our souls to what they were and give us the peace and the lifestyle that He intended.
4. If we do not adopt an honest lifestyle, we are simply taking those evil toxins and burying them deeper and deeper, making them more difficult to remove. As soon you discover these things within yourself it is essential that you be honest with yourself. You must search and destroy these things, but you must search at the roots. Next, you have to overcome such “second wave attacks” as regrets, disappointment with self, bitterness, and so on. But, it seems that the most difficult one to overcome is that of forgiveness of self.
Eventually, they will work their way back to the surface and bear fruit from their roots, just like any tree. Deal with those evil roots, your thoughts, evil intentions and the sin that can so easily manifest from them. Purify your fruits!
You may think that it is not possible for you to overcome these things or to fight the enemy on the battlefield, but once you remember who you are and the authority in which you sit, you will move forward and overcome!
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. (Luke 10:19)
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (1John 4:4)
Don’t be a barren fig tree, take hold of the fruit that Jesus has paid for and given to us. Don’t be a barren fig tree, take hold of the fruit that Jesus has paid for and given to us.
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
An Expanded Teaching: The Lemmings Principle
This additional lesson will expand upon the potential outcomes of conforming to this world. Click this link
A Prayer For You To Pray:
Father, You have redeemed me from the darkness of this world. I refuse to allow strife, envy, jealousy, past failures, unforgiveness or doubt to operate in my life! Please bring to light anything that would hinder me or my prayers so that they, and I, can become fervent and effectual! In Jesus’s Name, Amen!
Do you want to learn more?
This teaching is a part of our Systematic Discipleship Program, which, in itself, is designed to help you reach the highest point of your calling and to do so by providing a structured curriculum that will help you achieve that. Click on the following link to learn more….