Matthew 21:18-22, Jesus Curses a Fig Tree

18 In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once.

20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?” 21 And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. 22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

Comments

Jesus performed another acted out parable, but what did it mean? The fig tree represented Israel. Jesus saw no fruit. Since the nation had not produced the fruit desired by God, it too will wither.

In speaking of faith, Jesus did not start a mountain-moving ministry but stated that with God nothing was impossible. Remember that in Matthew faith meant a relationship of practical trust with the one who received the prayer.

Prayer

Lord, increase my faith in you that I may trust you more and more and produce the fruit of faith in my life.