The Fig Tree
Matthew 21:18-22
18 The next morning, on his way back to the city, he felt hungry. 19 Spotting a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. So he said to it, “May you never again bear fruit!” and immediately the fig tree dried up. 20 The talmidim (disciples/students) saw this and were amazed. “How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?” they asked. 21 Yeshua answered them, “Yes! I tell you, if you have trust and don’t doubt, you will not only do what was done to this fig tree; but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Go and throw yourself into the sea!’ it will be done. 22 In other words, you will receive everything you ask for in prayer, no matter what it is, provided you have trust.”
The fig tree... a common tree found in Israel. It is one of the seven species they were told to grow in the land. The other six are: wheat, barley, dates (honey), olives, pomegranates, grapes. They are listed in Deuteronomy 8:8:
It is a land of wheat and barley, grapevines, fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive oil and honey;
These were the first fruits offerings that were required to be taken to the Temple.
So, why would Jesus curse one of these trees? As an example for all of us. When a tree dies to the root, it won't bear fruit. A tree that is supposed to bear fruit and doesn't is not part of Adonai's plan.
God was watching and seeing that Israel was not bearing fruit like she should. She was turning on herself. She was becoming more self-centered instead of outward-centered. Cursing this fig tree was an example to the disciples of what would happen if Israel decided not to follow Adonai. That is still relevant for today.
It is the same for people... God wants us to bear fruit. God wants us to be His example to those around us. Once again, the disciples would know and understand that by Jesus cursing this tree, it is an example to each of them of what would happen if they chose not to follow God.
God doesn't want to curse anyone. God doesn't want to watch anyone be condemned. However, if people choose not to follow His Ways than the Word is clear - they die.
The root... when a tree dies in the root, it dies. As those who follow Him we need to make sure that we stay connected to the root. Our root is Israel. We are grafted in to their Promises. We did not replace them. We grow with them and alongside them. Without Israel we would be nothing.
I will admit that the last verses bring me questions. I don't doubt that we have been given power and authority. I'm still wrestling with the aspect of "God's Will" vs "what I desire." My question lies in, "What if my desire isn't God's will?" Then even though I am asking, it should not be granted because it isn't His will.
May we all continue to wrestle with what HE wants us to do. May we all continue to ask HIM what HE wants from us. May we all stay connected to the ROOT so we can bear fruit.
Love and blessings,
Rose
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