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Why Did Jesus Curse a Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)?
Bible Questions & AnswersJesus, seeing a fig tree with leaves from a distance and being hungry, approached it hoping to find fruit, as fig trees often bear figs before their foliage appears. Upon reaching the tree, He found only leaves and no fruit. It was the time of the firstfruits of figs, a period when a small amount of fruit typically ripens before the main crop, though it was not yet the season for the full harvest. This particular tree, however, was barren, bearing no figs at all, failing to fulfill its purpose. In Palestine, figs can ripen as early as the Passover, and in the proper climate, fig trees may have fruit year-round.
Every Man Under His Fig Tree
Sermonette by Christian D. HunterWithin the fig, there are many fruits in what seems to be a singular fruit. Like the fig flower, God's saints do not fall if they are producing fruit.
The Cursed Tree
'Ready Answer' by Dan ElmoreJesus' cursing of the fig tree has puzzled and even disturbed Bible readers for centuries, as it just does not seem to be something our Savior would do.
All Leaves, No Fruit
Sermonette by Bill OnisickJesus cursed the fig tree because it lacked fruit and produced only leaves. It symbolized pharisaical hypocrisy, where works and talk are not in alignment.
How to Survive Exile
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGod exiles to punish for sin, separating individuals and groups from Him in order to spur repentance. There is something to exile that God finds very good.
Unity and Division: The Blessing and a Curse (Part Two)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerA curious phenomenon ties together several biblical stories: God makes a judgment and divides His people into two groups, often splitting them down the middle!
Lamentations (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe book's five acrostic songs (chapters) answer the question, 'Why did this happen?' God brought the punishment on Judah because of gross and sustained sin.
Psalms: Book Three (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBook Three of the Psalms deals with the somber theme of judgment on a people who have rejected their God and have produced much rotten spiritual fruit.
Lessons From Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)If God's Law has not been written in our hearts, the corporate entity in which we find ourselves will not save us from the wrong side of the judgmental cut.
The Book of Joel (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhen Joel describes the devastating locust plagues, instead of promising a silver lining on a very black cloud, he says things are going to get intensely worse.