Jesus cursed the fig tree (Mark 11:4).

Mar 11:13  And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 

We have here an account of Jesus and His disciples travelling from Bethany to Jerusalem and He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree with lots of leaves, He approached expecting to find fruits. But there was none. And the story goes that Jesus cursed the fig tree (Mark 11:4). Mark recorded that it was not the time of figs. So, if it wasn’t the time for figs, why did Jesus curse the fig tree? What does it mean “the time of figs was not yet”? (Mark 11:13).

1. It refers to the time of harvest. It wasn’t the time for harvest and so the fruits should still be in the tree.

2. It refers to the season when trees are springing with fruits. It was early and trees were just beginning to bud and some young fruits should have sprung up.

3. For a fig tree, the fruit of the fig tree generally appears before the leaves. The appearance of much leaves in this tree gave the impression of bearing fruits before the season. Therefore, when Jesus and His disciples saw from a distance that the tree had leaves, they would have expected it to also have fruits on it.

The cursing of the fig tree carries two lessons; one for the Jews and one for us. Like this fig tree, the nation of Israel had a deceptive appearance. It had the appearance of being a holy people and a people who observed the Law of God. However, it was like whitewashed tombs which outwardly appeared beautiful but inwardly were filled with dead men’s bones and uncleanness (Matthew 23:27).  The nation as a whole proved to be both lacking in faith and barren of good fruitage. They even rejected God’s own Son, the Messiah they had been waiting for (John 1:11). The cursing of the fruitless fig tree was a prophecy of their destruction for their rejection of Christ (Matthew 3:10; 23:37-39).

The case of the barren fig-tree applies also to us who are Christians. We may make a profession of religion, but like this fig tree that had the appearance of much fruits, have only the appearance of faith and holiness. There is a lack of faith, love, and holiness. There is only an outward show of religion but empty within.

The lesson of the fig tree is a warning to us too if we do not bear fruits: “Every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:10). God expects that those who have a relationship with Him should bear much fruit: “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples” (John 15:8).

The first fruit of a Christian is faith. It is possible to be attending church and still not have faith. Many church goers need to examine their faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). Like this fig tree which has appearance of fruits but none, they have the appearance of religion but no faith. Our Lord warns: “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).

Another fruit is the fruit of holiness. We are called to be holy (1 Peter 1:15). We are a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). Are we bearing the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance? (Galatians 5:22-23).

The leaves of this fig tree deceived the passer-by, who, from seeing them, would naturally expect some fruits. The Jews were this unprofitable fig tree, full of the leaves of profession, but fruitless. Are we like them too? Are we a fruit bearing tree?  

Jimmy Lau

Psa 119:97  Oh how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day.