The Teaching of the Fig Tree and Unfruitful Faith

Palm Sunday Easter, Lent

Third Edition

Gospel Matthew 21:12–17 (18–22) The Descent of the King of Glory

Jesus went into the temple and drove out all those who were buying and selling. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves, and said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.”

The blind and the lame came to Jesus in the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children crying out in the temple, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” they were indignant and said to him, “Do you hear what these are shouting?” “I hear,” Jesus answered. “Have you never read this: ‘Out of the mouth of children and infants you have furnished praise’?” He left them there and went out of the city to Bethany, where he spent the night.

(As Jesus was returning to the city early in the morning, he became hungry. He saw a fig tree by the road and went to examine it, but found nothing on it but leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again.” And immediately the fig tree withered away.

When the disciples saw it, they were amazed and said, “How did the tree wither so quickly?” Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what is done to the fig tree, but you will also say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and thrown into the sea,’ and it will be done. And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”) (Matthew 21:12–17 (18–22) Third Edition)

Thoughts on an Important Teaching

Matthew 21, verses 12–17, tells of the powerful events of Palm Sunday, when Jesus arrives in Jerusalem. Significant events occur along the way that will shape the direction of his public ministry before his crucifixion. Jesus’ actions in the temple and his teaching about the fig tree offer deep-rooted wisdom that feels as relevant today as ever.

Jesus’ Entry into the Temple

When Jesus enters the temple, he acts not only as a loving teacher but also as an upholder of justice. He restores purity by driving out those who buy and sell, overturning the tables of the money changers and the stools of those who sell doves. Jesus declares, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a den of robbers.” This situation reveals Jesus’ strong criticism of the commercial activities of the temple, which were superior to prayer and spirituality. At this moment, Jesus brings up the theme of spiritual barrenness, exemplified by the story of the fig tree. The temple should have been a place where spiritual life flourished, but instead spirituality had become a superficial, fruitless practice.

The Significance of the Fig Tree

When Jesus later curses the fig tree for its barrenness, we understand its profound symbolism. The fig tree has been a symbol of Israel’s spirituality for centuries. Prophets such as Ezekiel and Hosea often used the fig tree to indicate the spiritual state of the people. Jesus’ actions toward the tree suggest that the people’s expectations were not being met.

His words to the fig tree—“You shall bear fruit no more forever”—are more than just a miraculous act. They contain a profound warning about the importance of being spiritually productive. For example, studies have shown that 65% of believers feel pressure to live out their faith, but only 32% actually do so on a regular basis.

The Impact of Unfruitful Faith

The cursing of the fig tree is not just condemning an individual tree. It is also a powerful lesson about how spiritual barrenness can affect the wider community. Jesus is reminding us that faith cannot be merely superficial. The next generation must be alive and capable. They must consciously recognize a spiritual awakening. Many Israelites rejected Jesus, often because of a deep-rooted legalism and an emphasis on formality. Jesus did not reject Judaism; instead, many rejected His profound message. This highlights an important lesson: dazzling leaves are not enough if the roots are not fruitful.

The teaching of the fig tree is universal and not limited to the era in which Jesus lived. It asks all of us: Are our churches and our faith fruitful, or are we only visible but unfruitful? Are there deficiencies in our own faith?

Jesus’ teaching invites us to a deeper self-evaluation. We must ask ourselves how much our faith really influences the fruit of our lives. We cannot simply follow an external order if it does not bear fruit.

Jesus’ Teaching in Daily Life

Jesus’ message is powerfully present in our daily lives. Fruitfulness is not just about expressing our faith to others, but also about sincere self-examination. How can we be good trees that produce ripe fruit? First, we must be connected to God personally. Prayer and Bible study deepen this connection. Second, we must be willing to serve and support others. Bearing good fruit requires the ability to share our faith with others. As Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another intensely from the heart.”

The church is a community that can support and encourage us in our spiritual growth. When we participate sincerely in the church, we can together create an environment in which fruitful faith can flourish. Through community, we can share prayers, teachings, and experiences. When we are active, we can ensure that our faith does not remain superficial but is alive and fruitful.

The Importance of Reading and Prayer

Fruitfulness is not just physical activity. It stems from prayer and the study of God’s Word. Prayer is a connection that matters. It is a moment when we can ask for advice and peace, the keys to fruitfulness in our lives. Reading the Bible deepens our understanding of God’s will. By understanding His Word, we can live more according to living faith and less under the shadow of forms.

Jesus’ teaching about the fig tree is not just a historical reference, but offers a valuable lesson on the fruitfulness of faith. It is important for us to pay attention to how we live our faith and where it leads.

A prerequisite for a living and fruitful religion is a constant connection with God. We must be ready to serve and support others. Jesus used the fig tree as an example, but it was only one way to highlight profound spiritual truths.

It is our turn to examine ourselves and ask if we are bearing fruit. Living faith should be reflected in everything we do. Let us remember that faith is more than just writing a name on a piece of paper; it is an assessment of our lives according to spiritual values. We must take action now so that living faith can flourish and grow through us. Jesus' teaching about the fig tree is still relevant: without spiritual fruit, we can remain empty.