And after they rejected Christ, blindness and hardness grew upon them, till they were undone, and their place and nation rooted up. Our Lord Jesus found among them nothing but leaves. This tree was fit for nothing but to be cut down and fed to the fire. In the same way, poverty, sickness, etc. Christ looked to find some fruit, for the time of gathering figs, though it was near, was not yet come; but he found none. The disciples were amazed at how quickly the fig tree withered (v. 20). 2. Since this tree had no early fruit, it was a sign that there would be no sweet fruit when the time for harvest arrived. Just from a practical standpoint, fig-trees were pleasurable things. Gain a concise, fundamental grasp of what the Bible is all about. The barren fig-tree cursed. Also, send me the Evangelical Newsletter. This miracle, which can also be classified as a parable, is recorded in more detail in Mark than in Matthew. Is Jesus saying that when the branch puts forth its leaves then the time of His second coming is near? When all the other nations were like trees without leaves, making no profession of allegiance to the true God, the Jewish nation was covered with the leafage of abundant religious profession. Jack is also the Senior Writer at What Christians Want To Know whose mission is to equip, encourage, and energize Christians and to address questions about the believer’s daily walk with God and the Bible. This tree had nothing to offer and it was therefore useless! Our Lord asked what they thought of John's ministry and baptism. 9:33; Mark 4:41, etc,). He drives out those who profaned the temple. That’s what the conclusion of this parable is when He said “as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 3. Chronic fatigue, addiction, or depression causes... Will This Week Bring an Epiphany for Evangelicals? Mt 24:32-34: Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and puts forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. This cursing of the barren fig-tree represents the state of hypocrites in general, and so teaches us that Christ looks for the power of religion in those who profess it, and the savour of it from those that have the show of it. The parables are to reveal what has previously been hidden as a mystery and He wanted them and He wants us to “know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.” He speaks these for our understanding but to those who refuse to bend the knee to Christ He spoke “to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand” (Matt 13:13). The day of His visitation or coming judgment as He will come as “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit” (Isaiah 11:1). Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Was Jesus purpose behind this lesson, as it is sometimes called “The Lesson of the Fig Tree,” that we should be aware that the time of the end of this age and Christ’s appearing will be when the fig tree starts putting out leaves? The man who checks bags for bombs on our transport system was eating juicy figs and gave one to me with a smile. The "Budding" Fig Tree Parable, found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, has Jesus likening the leaves of a budding fig tree to the second coming of Jesus. Each of us must walk in the light we have. In this view, the fig tree is a symbol of the land of Israel. Like this fig tree, the nation of Israel has a deceptive appearance. Mk 13:28,29 Luke 21:29-31, Isaiah 34:4 Second, we also need to observe that the cursing of the fig tree occurs on Monday of Jesus's Passion Week, four days before his crucifixion. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates” (Matt 24:32b-33). This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Also, send me the Evangelical Newsletter and special offers. were signs that one was sinful and disobeying God. And presently the fig tree withered away. When Jesus spoke the Parable of the Fig Tree, what did He try to communicate to His listeners? Jesus, therefore, can curse the fig tree if He so desires. Jesus cursing the fig tree is recorded in both Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14, 20-25. In a way, you could almost think of meeting under a fig-tree as the biblical equivalent of meeting at a Starbucks. In the Jewish culture, health and prosperity was a sign of Godâs blessing. âAs in so many other instances (comp. "These things" are the events foretold to happen as the end nears. The blighted fig tree was a singularly apt simile of the Jewish state. Jesus then asks them about the Judeans killed when the tower of Siloam fell down. The first interpretation concerns the nation of Israel. A close look at these accounts provides insights regarding why Jesus chose to curse this fig tree. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. The Relationship Between The Good Shepherd And His... Frank did not write this post. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible is available in the Public Domain. Guest Essay: Is America Suffering from Moral Injury? First, in the Old Testament the fig tree often stood as a symbol for the nation of Israel (Jeremiah 8:13; Hosea 9:10). With the cursing of the fig tree, He was symbolically denouncing Israel as a nation and, in a sense, even denouncing unfruitful âChristiansâ (that is, people who profess to be Christian but have no evidence of a relationship with Christ). Let us greatly fear the doom denounced on the barren fig-tree. Commentary on Matthew 21:23-27 (Read Matthew 21:23-27) As our Lord now openly appeared as the Messiah, the chief priests and scribes were much offended, especially because he exposed and removed the abuses they encouraged. According to Smithâs Bible Dictionary, the fig tree was very common to the area both in Biblical times and still today. ν και ÏανÏα Ïα δενδÏα â teÌn sukeÌn kai panta ta dendra). That’s what the conclusion of this parable is when He said “as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. Paul warned Timothy “that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Tim 3:1) and so, are they here already? Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! This represents the state of the nation and people of the Jews in particular. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates”, “Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.”, “In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel”, “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit”, “but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish”, “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned”, Identity Politics vs. Transactional Politics. Parable Of The Fig Tree: Summary, Meaning and Commentary. These are perilous times in which we live in and they appear to be growing more evil every day. Next commentary: The money lende⦠22 And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. Then in vs. 20-21, He returns to the tree on the following morning; and the tree is withered. tes sukes mathete (2PAAM) ten parabolen hotan ede o klados auts genetai (3SAMS) apalos kai ta phulla ekphue (3SPAS) ginoskete (2PPAI) hoti eggus to theros.:. Some theologians believe and teach that He is speaking about the time leading up to the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Jesus prophesied coming has been foretold by many of the prophets but the symbolism of His being a righteous Branch is found throughout the Old Testament like in Jeremiah 23:5 who wrote “Behold, the days come, says the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.” Isaiah also writes something very similar; “In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel” (4:2) but what is the day he writes about? The people of this nation are in a covenant relationship with God, and they might outwardly appear to observe his Law. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.” Not a future that I would envy for anyone, therefore I pray you consider repenting today and confessing your sins and then putting your trust in Christ if you have not already done so, for there is no other way to escape the great fire that is surely coming (Rev 20:15). Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” We have a winery nearby and when you take a close look at the vine, it closely resembles a tree branch and is not much different in size from one either. A Preterist Commentary on Mark 11:20-21: The Fig Treeâs lack of Fruit represents the Wickedness of Jerusalem, the City that killed the Prophets, Jesus, and the Saints.. Let us greatly fear the doom denounced on the barren fig-tree. The three entities in the story all have clear symbolic significance. In the morning, as he travels from Bethany, he spots a fig tree âin leaf.â At this point in late spring, most fig trees havenât developed mature fruit (Mark 11:13). The lack of fruit on the fig tree represents the wickedness of these people who killed the prophets, Jesus, and Jesusâ disciples after Jesusâ crucifixion (Matthew 23:34). And it was common knowledge in Jesusâ time that if you saw leaves on a fig tree, you could also expect fruit unless the tree was barren. 14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. Matthew 24:32 "Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near: Apo de. There are two popular interpretations of the Fig Tree Parable. Previous commentary: Its foliage signals that it should have early figs. Jesus told the disciples and I believe He is telling believers today why He spoke in parables, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given” (Matt 13:11). However, the nation as a whole has proved to be both lacking faith and ⦠The amazing deep colours, the distinctive shape and glorious gentle smell. This morning we want to return in our study to Matthew chapter 21. The fig-tree that had no fruit, soon, lost its leaves. The same power is available to us by faith when we share the gospel and watch the miracle of new birth take place in others. Since we know that Jesse’s son was David, this “stump” must be David and Jesus was of the line of David so there can be no doubt that this Branch is Jesus. When Jesus mentions the branch in the Parable of the Fig Tree it reminded me of John 15 which appears to point to the Father as the Vinedresser and Jesus as the branch. They continually marveled at the overwhelming powerful miracles that the Lord performed (Matt. Jesus has already said that “when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates” (Matt 24:33) so it appears to fit the context of the end of the age. Although the fig-tree shall not blossom â Though all outward means of support should fail, yet will I still have a firm confidence in the power, goodness, and faithfulness of God, that he will preserve me, and supply me with all things necessary; and therefore, amidst the most threatening appearances of affairs, I shall still preserve inward peace and serenity of mind, as trusting in him in whom is ⦠In v. 13, Jesus curses a fig tree without fruit. If you donât want to pe⦠7 âAnd he said to the vineyard-keeper, âBehold, for three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree without finding any. 12 And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: 13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. 1 The wickedness of Jerusalem is exemplified by the stoning of Stephen and the subsequent persecution of ⦠Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible Now from the fig tree learn her parable: when her branch has now become tender, and putteth forth its leaves, ye know that summer is nigh; even so ye also, when ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors. The cursing of the fig tree is an incident in the gospels, presented in Mark and Matthew as a miracle in connection with the entry into Jerusalem, and in Luke as a parable. They were not. He drives out those who profaned the temple. In both accounts, it is clear that the timing of this cursing is of critical relevance. The fruit of the fig-tree was good and sweet; and so people would often go to a fig-tree to sit back, relax, and reflect while munching away at a fig (John 1:48). Second, understanding what it means for figs to be in season shows us how Jesus can expect fruit when it is not fig season. A fig tree in full leaf in April should have been covered with early fruit. Get updates from Christian Crier delivered straight to your inbox. What does this mean? There is something that just feels rich and decadent about figs. A false profession commonly withers in this world, and it is the effect of Christ's curse. I invite you to take your Bible and do that. Three insights will help us understand this story: 1. Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world. Another Reading on Patheos to Check Out: What Did Jesus Really Look Like: A Look at the Bible Facts, Jack Wellman is Pastor of the Mulvane Brethren church in Mulvane Kansas. But this particular tree draws Jesusâs attention because it already has a full covering of leaves. (Mt 21:23-27). Were they more wicked than the rest? Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” We have a winery nearby and when you take a close look at the vine, it closely resembles a tree branch and is not much different in size from one either. He made this fig-tree an example, not to the trees, but to the men of that generation. Someone tells Jesus about the Galileans who were killed when Pilate desecrated the temple by sacrificing a pig there. This cursing of the barren fig-tree represents the state of hypocrites in general, and so teaches us that Christ looks for the power of religion in those who profess it, and the savour of it from those that have the show of it. Is Jesus saying that when the branch puts forth its leaves then the time of His second coming is near? Third, this story is placed next to the story of Jesus cleansing the temple in Jerusalem (Matthew 21:12-17). In reality, everyone is just one heartbeat away from eternity and the judgment of God because we all have an appointment with death (Heb 9:27) and no one can know when that time is so we must always be ready for His appearing as He says “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matt 24:44). Jesus' discourse in the temple. His just expectations from flourishing professors are often disappointed; he comes to many, seeking fruit, and finds leaves only. During springtime, Palestinian fig trees begin producing taksh â Arabic for immature, edible figs. The Parable of the Fig Tree is an encouragement for us to watch the signs of the times. Notes on John 8:12; John 10:1), we may think of the words as illustrated by a living example.Both time and place make this probable. The specific purpose of Jesus’ giving the Parable of the Fig Tree and the other parables in Luke 21 is actually given in Luke 13:3 where He says “but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” and “If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (John 15:6). In John 15:-3 He says “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”, “Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect”, “when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates”, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Is it possible that there is a dual application to this teaching and that He is speaking both about the coming fall of Jerusalem and the end of the age? The vineyard owner represents God, the one who rightly expects to see fruit on His tree and who justly decides to destroy it when He finds none. The nation had promised great things to God. This is a blog series featuring contributors to the new book, Cruciform Scripture. 6 And He began telling this parable: âA man had a fig tree which had been planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and did not find any. New International Version (NIV), Matthew 21 - Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible. With that expectation, Jesus in⦠Church and ministry leadership resources to better equip, train and provide ideas for today's church and ministry leaders, like you. What meaning is there for believers today? If you don’t abide in the vine or the Branch, then you’ll be cut off and thrown into the fire which pictures hell fire…the fire that cannot be quenched (Mark 9:48). The next morning (presumably Tuesday of Passion Week) Jesus The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, What Did Jesus Really Look Like: A Look at the Bible Facts, How Abraham Was Justified 2,000 Years Before Christ. Jesus' miracle involving the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24) is the only one in which He brings judgment by a miracle.All the other miracles are acts of goodness and mercy. Jesus quoted Isaiah, His favorite Old Testament author, who wrote in Isaiah 66:2 about those who would reject Him that “they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. About this commentary: The Lord was righteous in it. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Christ relates the Parable of the Fig Tree (verses 29-33) to give instruction regarding His warnings in the previous verses. When Jesus returns to judge the souls of men and women, is He giving us a clue as to when this great harvest is going to happen? All one has to do to see that the world is becoming increasingly dangerous to live to simply watch the news. If He will be very near to the gates then this means that He’s ready to come back again at any moment but this time He comes not as the mild and meek Lamb of God but as the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, ready to judge the world in righteousness. This parable comes during what is called the Olivet Prophecy which is about the time just prior to Jesus coming so it must be about the end of the present age…and just prior to His appearing a second time to judge the living and the dead. The fig tree generation is the generation that will not pass till all things prophesied in Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 be fulfilled. Mark 11:12-14. There ⦠And it gives its readers a dire warning: Unless you repent, you will perish. Itâs an early bloomer. 20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given”, “to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand”, “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. When Jesus mentions the branch in the Parable of the Fig Tree it reminded me of John 15 which appears to point to the Father as the Vinedresser and Jesus as the branch. Jesus enters Jerusalem amid exultation from the masses gathered for Passover. To reiterate this moral, Jesus tells the story of the fig tree, the vineyard owner, and the gardener who took care of the vineyard. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. You can follow Jack on Google Plus or check out his book Blind Chance or Intelligent Design available on Amazon, Please also opt me in for Exclusive Offers from Patheos’s Partners. The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition, The Gospel According to John: Pillar New Testament Commentary [PNTC], Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume VI (Acts to Revelation) - eBook. Jesus spoke the Parable or the Lesson of the Fig Tree in Matthew 24:32-35 as such: “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. Jesus asks if these Galileans were more sinful than other Galileans. (32) Now learn a parable of the fig tree. The "these things" in verse 31 refers to the question asked in verse 7 and Jesus ' subsequent answer in verses 8-28. It seems so. This parable of the fig-tree (Mark 13:28-32; Matthew 24:32-35) Luke applies to âall the trees.â It is true about all of them, but the fig tree was very common in Palestine. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Itâs about a fig tree that doesnât produce fruit. 21 And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. The barren fig-tree cursed, The temple cleansed. All have clear symbolic significance the masses gathered for Passover a deceptive.. From flourishing professors are often disappointed ; He comes to many, seeking,. Me the Evangelical Newsletter and special offers and finds leaves only morning we want to pe⦠morning... Is a blog series featuring contributors to the fire behold, the fig tree if He so.! 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