Playlist:

playlist Go to the Fig Tree, Withering of (topic) playlist

Filter by Categories

The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Withering of a Fig Tree

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Jesus' miracle of the withering of the fig tree, as recorded in Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14, 20-24, stands unique among His works as the only instance where He brings judgment through a miracle, unlike His other acts of goodness and mercy. This event, detailed more extensively in Mark, correlates with other occurrences such as the cleansing of the Temple, unfolding over two days. In this miracle, Jesus demonstrates self-restraint, choosing not to use His supernatural power for personal needs despite His hunger. He could have satisfied His hunger miraculously but refrained, teaching His disciples a lesson in faith and the importance of not using divine power for personal gain or to impress others. He emphasized that if a need could be met through human effort or if a lesson could be taught, He would not perform a miracle. Through this act, He showed that genuine faith in God could enable His followers to affect nature miraculously, as He did with the fig tree. The fig tree itself, deceptive with its abundant leaves yet bearing no fruit, represents a hypocrite who appears to be something they are not. Normally, a leafy fig tree suggests ripe fruit, but this tree was barren despite its foliage, misleading from a distance as the time for figs had not yet come. It gave the false impression of productivity. This barren fig tree symbolizes the hypocrisy of the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus' time, who professed a unique relationship with God but lacked true conviction, truth, righteousness, and goodwill. Despite their outward show and elaborate Temple rituals, they were shallow and phony, rejecting Christ when He came. Their actions were for public display, lacking genuine devotion, as their hearts remained malicious and far from God. Jesus' act of withering the fig tree carries symbolic weight, highlighting the danger of appearing fruitful while being barren within.

The Cursed Tree

'Ready Answer' by Dan Elmore

Jesus' 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.

Matthew (Part Twenty-Seven)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem fulfilled prophecies. The crowds welcoming Jesus were actually choosing the Paschal Lamb of God on Abib/Nisan 10.

Who Are the Firstfruits?

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

We may take it for granted that 'firstfruits' are synonymous with 'Christians.'" However, 'firstfruits' is very general, referring to surprising things.

Is God's Inspiration of the Bible Imperfect?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

When properly evaluated, there are no discrepancies in scripture; God is not the author of confusion. God does not enlighten us until we are mature enough.