March 21, 2024

Matthew 21:18-22  (HCSB)
The Barren Fig Tree
18 Early in the morning, as He was returning to the city, He was hungry. 19 Seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He went up to it and found nothing on it except leaves. And He said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” At once the fig tree withered. 20 When the disciples saw it, they were amazed and said, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” 21 Jesus answered them, “I assure you: If you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tell this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Trey Manor
Once again, John shows that Jesus is fully man (hungry) and fully God (miraculous). The fig tree and its destruction are a parable for people claiming to be Christians. Fig trees do not often have leaves apart from figs. Usually the leaves signify that the tree is producing fruit - what it is made to do. Accordingly, people with outward signs of faith (going to church, having a Bible in their home, spending time with other Christians) yet no fruit (authentic heart change leading to a focus on knowing God and making Him known) will be destroyed on judgment day. “If you have faith and do not doubt...” When we faithfully pray within God’s will for us, miraculous things occur.