No Figs

One of the most often questioned stories in the New Testament is the story of the cursed fig tree.

In Matthew 21:17-20 (KJV) it reads:

17 ¶ And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there.

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

The Lord was hungry. He just felt like having a nice tasty fig. When He saw the trees next to the road, one stood out because it was the only one that had leaves. He went to see if He could get a bite to eat. When He got to the tree, He discovered that there were a lot of leaves but no fruit on this tree. Now Mark mentions that it is out of season for figs, but that makes the leafy tree even more unique. The other fig trees had no leaves, so no one expected fruit on them. But this one tree with full leaf cover was showing a sign of the presents of fruit. Seeing this tree with all leaves and no buds for fruit allows a point to be made, and the Savior wanted to take the opportunity to teach it. The Lord sees that it was not living up to its potential, not fulfilling its destiny. It was appointed to provide figs for man and beast, and it was not doing so. Note that He did the same to people. He looked in their heart and saw what they were inside. If He can read the intent of man, can a tree be any harder?

Now, I have heard lessons about how the tree represents the house of Israel. I have heard that Israel lives the Law of Moses, and does not understand its intent, thus they have leaves, but no real fruit. Then, to show Israel what the penalty for lack of righteous obedience would be, He curses the tree. This is a good interpretation, but as usual, the Master is teaching more than one lesson here. When I read the story, I assume He is talking about me. And as I thought about the words of these verses, I began to see another interpretation. See my poem "Lacking Service".

What I see is the Lord acknowledging that plants have a spirit. He curses the tree because it chose not to produce fruit. And in choosing not to fruit, it chose not to serve others. No one received the gift of food from its branches. No seed was provided to bless the next generation with more trees. But, though it did not give to others, note how it takes from the sun, the land, and the air, and adorns itself with beautiful leaves created by these freely given gifts.

How like this tree are so many of us. We receive from God, but we do not think it important to give to others. We fail to use our gifts to bless those in need. We are too worried about what is in it for us. And even worse, there are those who have been given opportunity, but do not raise children to the Lord. That is one of our callings on this earth, and we will be held accountable if we do not provide a safe and loving home for some of God’s children, even if not our own.

I believe the Lord was teaching of Israel’s failures, but also telling us we need to be less selfish and more giving. And if we are not, there will come a time that He will curse us, and we will lose all we have that very day. I also believe that it is not too late. We may turn outward and forget ourselves any time while yet on earth. This selfless attitude will heal many wounds, most of them being our own. And in doing so, we will learn this lesson: we are not so great, only when we give are we even worthy to receive what God gives us daily for free.

The Christ, on the road from Bethany

In hunger, desired to eat

On spying a tree near the roadside

Approached, looking for a treat

He found an abundance of leafage

But no sign of the figs that He sought

Is this all you can do with your blessings?

Feed your roots, but production is not?

For God commands all things “replenish”

Was the fruit of the tree not for man?

It was so since the first day of Adam

And is vital to God’s earthly plan

And the seed that lay within the pleasure

Carries with it the magic of life

Would the fruit pass to new generations?

Or be cut off from earth with a knife?

Then the Master did something unheard of

He cursed the tree lacking in fruit

It wasn’t that it had been lazy

For each branch displayed many a shoot

But a leaf is for gathering sunlight

Intent to receive its fair share

The fruit is for others to savor

It is proof of a god and His care

The tree insisted on receiving

Giving back some was not in its plan

It took all the Maker had given

And ignored giving service to man

In a short time the tree’s branches withered

Its blessings were wasted away

No longer a vision of beauty

All was taken on that very day

For the living are given their mission

While on earth as the hours pass by

They inherit the tools they require

To prove faithful in tasks that they try

If the Lord came to visit our chapel

Perhaps to partake of some joy

Would we offer Him fruit in abundance?

Or excuses for work not employed?

Would we show Him our colorful clothing?

Our jewels and our mansions so new

Or would He see our hands worn and callused?

All from helping His flock, not a few

Have we produced the figs that He yearned for?

Is the heavy fruit yet on our boughs?

Or are branches adorned with full leafage

All we show for the sweat from our brows?

Yes, the Lord expects more from His servants

He’s commanded and we must obey

Feed His flock is the message He gave us

We must feed the lambs every day

And if we are found lacking in service

All our blessings that day will be lost

Our self-centered actions will curse us

And our exile the terrible cost

While you stand by the road, no one’s asking

And your fruits’ not required this day

But tomorrow the Lord may be passing

In your heart you know just what He’ll say

Do not waist your time storing up pleasure

Never trifle with things that don’t last

Keep your focus on all things eternal

Never be caught regretting the past