Christ's cursing of the fig tree

[Lobouspo]

Matthew 21:18 -19

" When Jesus was going back into the city in the morning, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, Jesus went over to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. Jesus said to the tree, 'May no fruit ever come from you again' , and immediately the fig tree withered."

What is the meaning of this verse? Has always kind of perplexed me.

Edited April 22, 2014 by Lobouspo
typo

[M30USA]

Matthew 21:18 -19

" When Jesus was going back into the city in the morning, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, Jesus went over to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. Jesus said to the tree, 'May no fruit ever come from you again' , and immediately the fig tree withered."

What is the meaning of this verse? Has always kind of perplexed me.

 

The fig tree has traditionally represented Israel in Scripture. This verse is in the context of Christ bringing in the New Covenant and illustrating that the nation of Israel has failed to bear fruit. Christ even came to give salvation to the Jews, first, but since they rejected him, he has offered salvation to the Gentiles (the rest of the world).

 

You can also interpret it more generally by saying that God will destroy any tree (or person) which does not bear fruit. This does not mean Christ expects a "works-based" salvation; rather fruit is a sign of true conversion by the Holy Spirit and, in turn, those who do not bear fruit do not possess the Holy Spirit. This verse about the fig tree is paralleled later in the Gospels when he says that any tree which doesn't produce fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. This is a reference to the final judgement and hell.

[Arieswoman]

All,

more information here ;-

 

https://www.christiancourier.com/articles/646-why-did-jesus-curse-the-fig-tree