Why Did Jesus Curse a Fig Tree? The Strange Miracle in Mark 11
The story of the fig tree takes place about a week before the crucifixion of Jesus. Jerusalem is buzzing and the people have celebrated Jesus entering the city on the back of a donkey. But all is not well. The religious leaders are plotting and tensions are rising.
Early the next morning, Jesus is walking from Bethany to Jerusalem. He is hungry, and he sees a fig tree. As he approaches it, he sees that the tree has no figs, “because it was not the season for figs”. Then comes the moment that still puzzles people today:
Jesus curses the tree, saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”
By the next day, the tree is dead, withered from the roots up. But why would Jesus curse the tree? Was Jesus having a bad day? Was he hangry? Or was something else going on here?
The Scripture
“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”
Mark 11:14 (NIV)
What does the cursed fig tree mean?
First, a little fig tree 101: In Israel, fig trees were everywhere. They were a symbol of peace, prosperity, and spiritual health.
In the Old Testament, trees, vines or vineyards were almost like a barometer for the nation. When the vines and fig trees were fruitful, it was a sign of God’s blessing and the people’s faithfulness. On the flipside, if there was no fruit, it pointed to judgement, suffering or failure; a warning that something wasn’t right with Israel’s relationship with God.
The Bible tells us that Jesus cursed the fig tree during the busy days before his death on the cross. The scripture specifically tells us that:
- It wasn’t fig season, so why would Jesus look for figs?
- The tree had lots of leaves (which usually means it should at least have early fruit)
- Immediately after cursing the tree, Jesus cleared the temple of the people who were buying and selling there, flipping tables and driving merchants away.
Let’s look at the fig tree again. It had leaves, showing that it had the potential for fruit but it was empty – No figs. In the same way, Jerusalem and its religious leaders looked outwardly alive giving worship, praise and sacrifice to God. But inside there was no true faith or spiritual fruit, just empty religion.
So when Jesus curses the tree, it isn’t about the tree or Jesus having a bad morning, but rather the empty, shallow, and hollow spirituality of the religious leaders of the day.
Faith In Action
Reflection Questions
Affirmation
Today, I choose true faith and fruitfulness over empty show
Prayer for the Day
Jesus,
Forgive me for the times I settle for looking alive but am dry on the inside. Search my heart. Show me where I need to grow, where I’m just showing leaves with no fruit. Root me deeper in you, so that my life overflows with good things like kindness, patience, honesty, and compassion. Keep me from empty religion and help me live every day in a real relationship with you.
Amen.
