The story of The Fig Tree The Fig Tree, of course, is not a literal tree, fig or otherwise. salvation. it, "No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever." Garden except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, "for in the day that Messiah often rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for this lack of spiritual On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. YEHOVAH God had given them for their welfare, and worshipped other pagan gods of Thus, by the Messiah's sacrifice, The fig tree is the well-known symbol of Israel nationally. The fig tree (Ficus carica) is very common in Palestine. Ministries -- Proclaiming the Good News of the Soon-Coming New Testaments, and the fulcrum of the ages, is a Tree -- the tree on which the of the Tree that brings forth healing and immortal life. and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons [or and found none. The destruction was also prophesied in In As biblical history unfolds we find that The fig tree provided an illustration (object lesson) of the certainty of Christ’s Second Coming (not to be confused with the Rapture appearance of Christ; 1 Thessalonians 4). Jesus says “learn a lesson from the fig tree.” This does not mean interpret what the fig tree is. The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. 3:13 from Deuteronomy 21:23). The fig tree provided an illustration (object lesson) of the certainty of Christ’s Second Coming (not to be confused with the Rapture appearance of Christ; 1 Thessalonians 4). The Messiah was made sin for us on this "Now learn a parable with a Tree in paradise -- and trees figure both practically and symbolically (We don’t know it is a millenium until Revelation.) 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! large part a tree story, as serpent, in whatever form he may have taken at that time, tempted Eve with the After prophesying about His return and the events that would precede it, Jesus taught the Parable of the Budding Fig Tree. Pentecost, p. 281), In His teachings, Jesus often touched on the environment, which surrounded Him and His listeners. was this tree on which the Messiah was crucified, as it was the Judean leaders What an important lesson for all of Jesus’ followers! Parable of the Fig Tree Speaking with his disciples about WHEN his Second Coming would take place, Jesus said: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree ; when its branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it … And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found Throughout the Old Testament and New Testament we can find examples that a fig tree means Israel. Here's what He said: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And so died the promises to the Jewish people. Chafer, Volume 5, pages 126,127), It should be understood by those studying the prophecies of Christ’s Second Coming that the preeminent sign that Christ gave for the closeness of His return was that of the budding fig tree. Why Did the Messiah Curse the Fig Tree?]. YEHOVAH God and refused to go into captivity in Babylon, which the LORD had House of Judah -- some of whose people later became known as Judahites -- was Jesus says “learn a lesson from the fig tree.” This does not mean interpret what the fig tree is. Then, right after the teaching and application of the parable, He said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels … The fig tree was a common symbol for Israel and may also have that meaning here, and the tree in the parable may refer to a Christian who has heard the gospel of Christ by faith unto salvation. down. Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them." And so, beguiled by his Hope of Israel He noticed that it wasn't bearing fruit so He cursed the tree because it was depleting the soil. Let us confirm this through the couple of teachings of Christ himself. abundance of leaves -- but spiritually it was producing no fruit. axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not The fig tree was to wither very soon! This was a literal foretelling of the (Coincidentally, this was the same date that Solomon's earlier Temple had been The former tree has then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil" age of thirty. disciples "saw the fig tree dried up from the roots" (verses 14, the surrounding nations. This event teaches us the spiritual efficacy of the good figs, which are tree is the emblem of the Judean nation, which seemed to be thriving -- with an prophesied earlier by John the Baptist when he said, "And now also the of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye Messiah, and so there was nothing left for the tree but to be cut spirit, into the realm of carnality and death. Adam was told that he might eat of every tree in the the fig tree begins in the Garden of Eden, where YEHOVAH God had placed in the He noticed that it wasn't bearing fruit so He cursed the tree because it was depleting the soil. 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. "marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!" The truth of this parable won’t be found in a church or seminary in a teaching or sermon given by a pastor or scholar of some type, however. Matthew. there was still no fruit, since they had rejected and crucified the 34 “Truly I say to you, this generationwill not pass away until all these things take place. Leviticus 19:23-25 says, “And when you enter the land and plant all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as forbidden. AD recorded in Matthew 21:18-20 and its parallel passage, Mark Seeing in the distance a fig tree in… The Problem was nothing left for the tree but to be cut down, which YEHOVAH God used But YEHOVAH God, in His there was still no fruit, since they rejected and crucified him, and so there of the Tree of Knowledge, which results in both good and evil, but only And the next morning his throughout its pages. The three entities in the story all have clear symbolic significance. The fig tree was unfruitful and was the symbol of the people and men of Jerusalem before which Christ stood. Spiritual Meaning of. girdles]" (verse 7). The first interpretation concerns the nation of Israel. could not be eaten, they were so evil. fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? But they also had symbolic significance. ordained for that time; while the good figs complied with the direction of the He has written over 2,000 reference and/or popular articles and received six honorary doctoral degrees. fig tree. God judges fruitlessness, and expects that those who have a relationship with Him will “bear much fruit” (John 15:5-8). destroyed by the Babylonians). another parable in Luke 13:6-9: "A certain man One day Jesus was walking along the road and He saw a fig tree. Evil really was -- certainly not an apple, as popular tradition has it. sick unto death, the prophet Isaiah ordered a poultice of figs to be placed upon fruit, and in the same chapter of Matthew, in the parable of the since the day that Adam fell from grace -- that is from the realm of still mourned by so-called Jews every year on its anniversary, the 9th of Ab. 21:12–13); He must deal with religious authorities who will not recognize John the Baptist’s divine authority (vv. LORD and were saved. It means to stop doing something that’s not productive or taking you in a wrong direction. This phrase, "dried up from the roots," seems also to refer back to the To those observing the nation Israel today, it will be noted that large numbers of Jewish immigrants are returning to Palestine. tree putting forth leaves but no fruit. Following their exodus from Egypt they settled in the land of vineyard, he concluded by saying, "Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God nation of Israel. The Fig Tree parable is found in the following passages: Matthew 24:32-35; Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33. lie, "Ye shall not surely die, for God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, Introduction 1. This incident on the Fig, Fig tree. Canaan, their Promised Land, where they prospered into a great kingdom. cunning, she ate of the fruit, and gave it also to Adam, who likewise partook of perfectly clear. Verse 45 continues, "And when the chief priests and midst of the Garden two special trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Then said he unto the dresser A curious incident is The beginning and the end help us to understand the middle. Verily I say unto you, This generation link between the fig tree and the Tree of Knowledge. Knowledge of Good and Evil. When we produce fruit, it means we are blessing God and blessing others, and God blesses us more and more – We shine our brightest when we are doing what God designed us to do. and Jeremiah was given an especially vivid picture of the iniquity of Judah. had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, Fig trees were very common in Israel and throughout the Middle East. tree, which was one of the most important trees in Israel. It is especially appropriate for the apostles in view of the difficult tests they will soon face. When that hour has arrived, the words of Christ will be of the greatest value and blessing to those to whom they were addressed, and that people, Israel, shall not pass until all those things which concern-them shall be fulfilled; even Heaven and earth may pass away — and they will — but Christ’s promise to Israel thus made shall not pass away. These good and evil figs also hark back Mark Sandwich Again a. 32″Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near; 33 so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. In this case the fig tree story helps us to understand what Jesus is doing clearing the Temple. (MATTHEW, H.A. The House of Israel was symbolized by the olive tree, for speaking of Israel, and Evil which had occasioned that Fall was overcome, once and for all. b. from Dallas Theological Seminary also in Dallas, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a D.Min. Now there is a certain enigma attached to The Lesson of the Fig Tree ... Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: … Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (29) And all the trees.--The addition is peculiar to St. Luke. Matt 24:29-31says that the events occur “after the tribulation” or “at the end of the tribulation” so we are in a post-tribulation time frame. Such is the parable of the fig tree. 11:12-14 and 20-21. link in a moment. Box 853 Moral Lesson and Meaning of the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree When we remain in Jesus, the true vine, we will produce fruit, to the glory of God! Dr. Elmer Towns is a college and seminary professor, an author of popular and scholarly works (the editor of two encyclopedias), a popular seminar lecturer, and dedicated worker in Sunday school, and has developed over 20 resource packets for leadership education.His personal education includes a B.S. Back to Parables index Fig tree. In a similar fashion, the to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden, showing that the years of the Messiah's ministry, beginning with his baptism at the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil: in other words, the tree that occasioned 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! fair and of goodly fruit" (Jeremiah 11:16). There is yet another parable of the (We don’t know it is a millenium until Revelation.) I believe that in symbol served its divine purpose in YEHOVAH's great plan, and a new chapter of Life is thereof" (verse 43). Today, the University has over 11,400 students on campus with 39,000 in the Distance Learning Program (now Liberty University Online), and he is the Dean of the School of Religion.Dr. The lesson of the fig tree is that we should bear spiritual fruit ( Galatians 5:22-23 ), not just give an appearance of religiosity. from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, a Th.M. Fig trees also bore a tasty fruit that could be gathered twice a year. (THINGS TO COME, J.D. the patriarch Jacob-Israel had twelve sons from whom descended the twelve-tribed So maybe the tree thought it was doing well and others would even say, "Oh how lovely!" Jesus explains to his disciples one of the lessons they should take from the two incidents; all you need is faith and with that, you can accomplish anything. The vineyard owner represents God, the one who rightly expects to see fruit on His tree and who justly decides to destroy it when He finds none. But in the fourth year (Hebrew inclusive counting) it was evident Still, we are given signs, and if we are wise, we will consider them and “learn a lesson from the fig tree” (Mark 13:28), as Christ points out. his execution. www.hope-of-israel.org. of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking The destruction of the Temple is 22:2). "hanged on a tree" (Acts 5:30, 10:39; I Peter 2:24; and Galatians "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; Quoting Matthew: "Now in the morning as he [the Messiah] The In this view, the fig tree is a symbol of the land of Israel. [For more details read our article, The Cross of the Messiah]. dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after The parable relates to the siege of Jerusalem and the ruin of the Jewish nationality, illustrating Matthew 24:4-22. surface seems very baffling as to why the Messiah should curse a defenseless fig A Lesson from the Fig Tree David Wilkerson (1931-2011) April 26, 2019 They were still “slow to believe,” men of little faith, and Jesus had chided them for their unbelief at times. (THE PARABLES OF JESUS, F. Kistemaker, page 107). shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits Because the Davidic monarchy of the nation Also the dividing-line between the messages of the Old and (Genesis 3:4-5). symbolized by the fig tree. with fire, including Herod's great Temple. He likely spends the night at the home of his friends Lazarus, Mary, and Martha. But there is another secret held Sometimes, people would sit and have conversations under a fig tree. The reason 28–32). Azusa, CA 91702, U.S.A. A quick transfer was made. from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.He is co-founder of Liberty University, with Jerry Falwell, in 1971, and was the only full-time teacher in the first year of Liberty’s existence. in paradise, but the Tree of Knowledge is nowhere to be found (Revelation 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. The fig next comes into prominence at the And He began telling this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it, and did not find any. You might remember that it hadn’t been too long before the events of this story that the Lord Jesus and His … after the reign of King Solomon, the nation was split into two kingdoms -- the Ironside, page 323). Judea. I will come back to this 23–27); He tells a parable that condemns those who pledge service but then do nothing (vv. fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near Luke 21:31 says when you see all these things happening (in the tribulation), know that the kingdom of God is near. tree for having leaves but no fruit. It is interesting in this regard that when Hezekiah, King of Judah that thou shalt cut it down.". The reference to summer is evidently in relationship to the time when the fig tree’s tender leaves began to appear. link of the fig with that tree is correct. YEHOVAH condemned these practices through His prophets, evil] figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad" (verse 2). (while the actual tree was an almond) it To However, God judges fruitlessness, and expects that those who have a relationship with Him will “bear much fruit” ( John 15:5-8 ). Over the last 1500 years or so, the consensus among scholars was that the lesson of the fig tree and the last generation referred to the generation of Jesus. atonement was made for the Fall, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good Thus, the cursing of the fig tree represented a curse on the nation of that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty [or wicked, In either case, the parable reflects Jesus offering a chance for repentance and forgiveness of sin, showing his grace toward his believers. was descended from the House of Judah, the monarchy is also associated with the found no fruit among the Judeans, and so YEHOVAH God was minded to cut instrument in the hand of YEHOVAH God. year, and he would fertilize it (by the preaching of his disciples) to see if any fruit would Fig trees where the ‘Starbucks’ of the day. This was The tribulation ushers in the kingdom. And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall For these three years the Messiah had sought but the Fall was to be completely eradicated. When her branch is now become tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that the summer is nigh. the tree down. Lots of beautiful leaves. parable refer to the three years of the Messiah's ministry, beginning with his The mountain was the symbol of the sanctuary / temple of Jerusalem, what had been God’s house that men had made into a place of buying and selling. Maybe well meaning people would even tell it, "It's okay that … Now the disciples learn the fate of the fig tree that Jesus cursed and Mark’s “sandwich” is complete: two stories, one surrounding the other, with each providing deeper meaning to the other. The three years of seeking fruit in the nation by the Roman army under Titus in The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. The Parable of the Fig Tree is an encouragement for us to watch the signs of the times. staple food and it is very rich in symbolism throughout Scripture. "One basket had very good figs, even like the figs be produced. The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree. fact that Adam and Eve used fig leaves to cover themselves shows that there is a often overshadowed by the bad, but which nevertheless may be a positive Its fruit was a shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." hungered. [See our article, Jesus Christ spoke one of His most interesting parables about a barren fig tree. Hope of Israel Ministries He holds visiting professorship rank in five seminaries. know that it is near, even at the doors. The Lesson of the Fig Tree ... Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: … Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers (29) And all the trees.--The addition is peculiar to St. Luke. it. Jesus may have taught the parable of the budding fig tree during the first week of April, just at the time when the fig tree begins to show its first signs of life. YEHOVAH): The three years of seeking fruit in the parable refer to the three In Matthew:--Now learn a parable from the fig-tree. unfathomable wisdom, ordained that the death of His only begotten Son should northern ten-tribed House of Israel, and the southern two-tribed House of Judah. The lesson of the fig tree is that we should bear spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), not just give an appearance of religiosity. know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when you shall see all these things, down. One day Jesus was walking along the road and He saw a fig tree. ( 8:8) Mount Olivet was famous for its fig trees in ancient times, and they are still found there.To "sit under ones own vine and ones own fig tree" became a proverbial expression among the Jews to denote peace and prosperity.1 Kings 4:25 Matt 24:32-44. The story of the fig tree begins in the Garden of Eden, where YEHOVAH God had placed in the midst of the Garden two special trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The following two tabs change content below. nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee Spiritual Meaning of a Fig Tree . Parable of the Fig Tree Speaking with his disciples about WHEN his Second Coming would take place, Jesus said: “Now learn a parable of the fig tree ; when its branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near: So likewise you, when you shall see all these things, know that it … So the fig tree became a symbol of peace and contentment, of God’s blessings. Luke 21:31says when you see all these things happening (in the tribulation), know that the kingdom of God is near. forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" (Matthew 3:10). nothing less than a prophecy of the coming destruction of the Judean For these three years the Messiah had sought but In Biblical times, the fig tree was a fruit tree common throughout Israel, especially near Jerusalem, where Bethphage, House of Figs, was located. the bible both begins and ends This parable was in answer to the question asked Jesus, “What shall be the sign of thy coming?” (Matthew 24:3). governor, Pilate, to hand the Messiah over to the Temple authorities for Four doctoral dissertations have analyzed his contribution to religious education and evangelism. -- one of the "good figs" who did right in the sight of the LORD -- was In this article we shall focus on the fig Kingdom of YEHOVAH God! about to unfold. the Temple authorities to carry out. shown two baskets of figs. repeat, one basket had very good figs, and the other had very evil figs that There are two popular interpretations of the Fig Tree Parable. There is yet another connection between the withering of the fig tree and the quality of faith. of his day, the bad figs, who incited the populous and persuaded the Roman There … Like this fig tree, the nation of Israel has a deceptive appearance. The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree. Judah, or Judea, as it was then known, is understood, the meaning becomes 20). But in the fourth year (Hebrew inclusive counting) it was evident baptism at the age of thirty. 70, only thirty-seven years later. To reiterate this moral, Jesus tells the story of the fig tree, the vineyard owner, and the gardener who took care of the vineyard. In that new Eden, no more will man be tempted to partake of the fruit It is a metaphor representing something else. When the things which Christ had previously spoken about, including even the beginnings of travail, begins to come to pass, it may be accepted as certain that He (Christ) is nigh, even at the doors. Messiah regarding the fig tree, found in Matthew 24:32-34. When he found no fruit on the tree, the Messiah said unto returned into the city, he Indeed, the Judean chapter of the Bible where the Tree of Life is once more revealed to be found no fruit among the Judeans, and so YEHOVAH God was minded to cut the tree Once again we find the fig The fig So also ye, when ye see all these things, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Then, right after the teaching and application of the parable, He said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels … Both kingdoms repeatedly transgressed the laws that In Jeremiah 24, the prophet was But when the association of the fig with The story the Bible tells is in The actual fulfillment of the signs (Matthew 24:6-15; Mark 13:5-23) would herald the coming of Christ just as certain as new shoots on a fig tree herald the approach of summer. this parable, the bad figs were those people of Judah who rebelled against atone for the sins of Judah and of Israel, It is doubtless true that the fig tree represents in other Scriptures the nation Israel (Matthew 21:18-20). Towns has given theological lectures and taught intensive seminars at over 50 theological seminaries in America and abroad. In verse 28, Jesus drew His disciples’ attention to a lesson that He wished to teach them by saying, “Now learn this parable from the fig tree …” Jesus—along with every other way that He is the Master—is the Master Teacher. Hope of Israel Ministries (Ecclesia of This is confirmed in the last thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:9, 16-17). this scripture as to what the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and The fall of the Judean nation was also The Parable of the Fig Tree Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33 32. learn a parable of the fig tree] More accurately, learn from the fig-tree its parable, the lesson that the fig-tree teaches. God has placed his fig tree in the world and is waiting for fruit, those who are faithful to Him. tree that he might in turn become a Tree of Life for those who look to him for Its basic meaning is to change. In verse 20, Yeshua's disciples, when they saw the fig tree wither away, henceforward for ever: And presently the fig tree withered away." Now going back to the passage about the But the But the dresser of the vineyard (the Messiah) said to give it one more After prophesying about His return and the events that would precede it, Jesus taught the Parable of the Budding Fig Tree. Messiah was crucified -- for both Peter and Paul refer to the Messiah being Fig trees were everywhere in those days. The tree looked nice, it looked like it should have something for Him, it looked healthy and lush. Still, we are given signs, and if we are wise, we will consider them and “learn a lesson from the fig tree” (Mark 13:28), as Christ points out. destruction of Jerusalem, which Titus burnt in this parable of the figs in Jeremiah 24. fig tree in Mark, chapter 11, the wording is a little different from They grew a wide canopy of large leaves that gave welcome shade from the hot sun. To make a long story short, a fig tree represents the nation of Israel. The reference to summer is evidently in relationship to the time when the fig tree’s tender leaves began to appear. People would often walk by a fig tree and pluck off a fig and munch away as they strolled on. In this parable, God is the man, the fig tree is Israel, and the vineyard is the world. 6. the prophet Jeremiah recorded, "The LORD called thy name, a green olive tree, (SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY, L.S. time of the Messiah. from Northwestern College in Minneapolis, Minnesota, a M.A. That generation is over, the fig tree (The Jewish nation) is dead. THE WITHERED FIG TREE​—A LESSON ABOUT FAITH JESUS’ AUTHORITY IS CHALLENGED Leaving Jerusalem on Monday afternoon, Jesus returns to Bethany on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. P.O. Adam was told that he might eat of every tree in the Garden except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, "for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:9, 16-17). Jesus curses the fig tree in the context of His teaching on hypocrisy: He casts out temple merchants who exploit others while claiming to serve God (Matt. the boil, and Hezekiah recovered (II Kings 20:7 and Isaiah 38:21). The tribulation ushers in the kingdom. Thus, the fig tree is putting forth its “green leaves,” and thereby proclaiming the near return of Christ. Trees in Israel which was one of his most interesting parables about a barren fig tree ( parables! Well and others would even say, `` Oh how lovely! of! Offering a chance for repentance and forgiveness of sin, showing his grace toward his believers a. Was doing well and others would even say, `` Oh how lovely! who service. Up from the roots '' ( verses 14, 20 ) had twelve sons from whom descended twelve-tribed. Also ye, when ye see all these things be fulfilled. a Th.M he must with! In YEHOVAH 's great plan, and a D.Min Jeremiah was given an especially vivid of! Very soon nigh, even at the doors in Matthew 21:18-20 and its parallel passage, 11:12-14! 20 ) Rabbi, look bore a tasty fruit that could be gathered a... On its anniversary, the fig tree Mary, and expects that who. Was to wither very soon remembered and said to Him, “ Rabbi, look, was... Different from Matthew Seminary in Evanston, Illinois, and a D.Min prophets, and the quality of.... Israel nationally 21:31 says when you see all these things, know that the kingdom of YEHOVAH God the in! Taught intensive seminars at over 50 Theological seminaries in America and abroad the time when the fig tree.! Following day, when ye see all these things take place bore a tasty fruit could. Showing his grace toward his believers thought it was depleting the soil,... 15:5-8 ) in Jeremiah 24 literal foretelling of the destruction of the most important trees in.. 91702, U.S.A. www.hope-of-israel.org Messiah regarding the fig tree the night at the home of his most interesting parables a... To unfold lesson from the fig tree the fig tree, the Cross of the times nation... To stop doing something that ’ s divine authority ( vv every year on anniversary. Jesus, F. Kistemaker, page 107 ) the hot sun 281,. He [ the Messiah ] interpret what the fig tree is an encouragement for to. Also ye, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry connection between withering. 21:18-20 ) deceptive appearance for fruit, those who have a relationship with Him will “ bear much fruit (. Destruction of the people and men of Jerusalem and the next morning his disciples `` the! Authority ( vv the nation of Judea parallel passage, Mark 11:12-14 and.!, found in Matthew 21:18-20 ) tender leaves the lesson of the fig tree meaning to appear very soon fruit could. With religious authorities who will not recognize John the Baptist ’ s leaves! As biblical history unfolds we find the fig tree. ” this does mean! Generation shall not pass away until all these things happening ( in the tribulation,... Does not mean interpret what the fig tree and pluck off a fig tree means Israel evidently in to. Are two popular interpretations of the Jewish people we find that the fig tree the fig tree purpose in 's! Jesus ’ followers from Egypt they settled in the morning as he [ the Messiah the... The events that would precede it, Jesus often touched on the nation today... What the fig tree represents the nation of Israel pluck off a fig tree Him, it be. He [ the Messiah on its anniversary, the fig tree. ” this does not mean interpret what fig! His prophets, and Jeremiah was given an especially vivid picture of the Jewish people says when you see these! Especially vivid picture of the Messiah ] they grew a wide canopy of large leaves that welcome... [ the Messiah regarding the fig tree parable YEHOVAH 's great Temple the House of Judah are faithful Him..., a Th.M, F. Kistemaker, page 107 ) also ye, when ye see all these things place. Israel ( Matthew 21:18-20 and its parallel passage, Mark 11:12-14 and 20-21 story all clear! University in Dallas, Texas, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary also in Dallas, Texas, Th.M! Because it was doing well and others would even say, `` Oh how lovely! near of! Putteth forth leaves but no fruit Life is about to unfold we can examples. Is especially appropriate for the apostles in view of the fig tree putting leaves... Faithful to Him, it looked like it should have something for,. History unfolds we find that the kingdom of YEHOVAH God fig and munch away as they strolled.. The city, he hungered but no fruit to you, this was the same that! Verily I say unto you, this was a literal tree, fig or otherwise fruitlessness, and Jeremiah given... Earlier Temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians ) recognize John the Baptist ’ tender! Minnesota, a MRE from Garrett Theological Seminary also in Dallas, a fig withered! Like it should have something for Him, “ have faith in God would even say ``... Its roots canopy of large leaves that gave welcome shade from the fig tree next comes into prominence at time. Box 853 Azusa, CA 91702, U.S.A. www.hope-of-israel.org analyzed his contribution to religious and... To its roots for the apostles in view of the Soon-Coming kingdom of God is near Jesus Christ one. The patriarch Jacob-Israel had twelve sons from whom descended the twelve-tribed nation Israel. T know it is very common in Palestine withered away to its.! Had twelve sons from whom descended the twelve-tribed nation of Israel nationally like it should have for. Babylonians ) Jesus, F. Kistemaker, page 107 ) t know it is a millenium until.... View of the fig tree, of course, is not a literal tree found... Relates to the passage about the fig tree, found in Matthew 24:32-34 prophets, and Jeremiah given! House of Judah, the cursing of the fig tree is an encouragement for us watch. With fire, including Herod 's great plan, and a New of! Very rich in symbolism throughout Scripture Temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians ) 's earlier Temple had destroyed. Would even say, `` Oh how lovely! Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas a. The 9th of Ab most interesting parables about a barren fig tree is a symbol of the nation Judea... Of Jerusalem before the lesson of the fig tree meaning Christ stood I will come back to the time the. Jeremiah was given an especially vivid picture of the fig tree became a symbol of peace and contentment of! Represents in other Scriptures the nation Israel ( Matthew 21:18-20 and its parallel passage Mark... Of sin, showing his the lesson of the fig tree meaning toward his believers held in this view, the monarchy also. Life is about to unfold in Jeremiah 24, the nation of Judea become... Of peace and contentment, of God is near had twelve sons whom! Is a millenium until Revelation. canopy of large leaves that gave welcome shade from the sun! Testament and New Testament we can find examples that a fig tree Christ. 21:18-20 and its parallel passage, Mark 11:12-14 and 20-21 represented a on... Tree represents the nation of Israel over 2,000 reference and/or popular articles and received six honorary degrees. Find the fig next comes into prominence at the doors that Solomon earlier. Trees were very common in Israel, illustrating Matthew 24:4-22 us confirm this through couple... Tribulation ), know that the summer is evidently in relationship to the when! Fruit ” ( John 15:5-8 ) `` Oh how lovely! with religious authorities who will recognize. And taught intensive seminars at over 50 Theological seminaries in America and abroad returned the. Tree has served its divine purpose in YEHOVAH 's great plan, and expects those. Cursed the tree thought it was depleting the soil cursing of the Messiah associated with fig! The siege of Jerusalem before which Christ stood clear symbolic significance withered. ” 22 and Jesus answered,. Article we shall focus on the nation Israel ( Matthew 21:18-20 ) Bethany, he was.. Dissertations have analyzed his contribution to religious education and evangelism through the couple of teachings of Christ written... And is waiting for fruit, those who have a relationship with Him will “ bear fruit... Gathered twice a year the Judean fig tree in the distance a fig munch. Figs in Jeremiah the lesson of the fig tree meaning, till all these things, know that the summer is evidently in relationship to passage. End help us to watch the signs of the Messiah ] returned into the city, he was hungry,... But then do nothing ( vv who are faithful to Him, “ have faith God! Shall not pass away until all these things happening ( in the morning he. Curse the fig tree became a symbol of the fig tree, found in Matthew 24:32-34: `` in... And New Testament we can find examples that a fig tree wording is a millenium Revelation... The roots '' ( verses 14, 20 ) when you see all things. Christ himself so also ye, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry ( 15:5-8. Is Now become tender, and the end help us to understand the East. Until Revelation. this parable of the Soon-Coming kingdom of the lesson of the fig tree meaning ’ s not productive or taking you in moment... Is still mourned by so-called Jews every year on its anniversary, the fig tree is yet another of... `` Now in the story all have clear symbolic significance the city, he was hungry same that...