Is Your Spiritual Life Like the Withered Fig Tree?

Mark 11:11-20

This passage of scripture took place after Jesus rode his donkey into Jerusalem and into the temple court and looked around at the activities that were going on. Evening came, and Jesus and the twelve went to Bethany (v.11). The next day they were coming from Bethany, and Jesus was hungry (v.12). From a far distance He saw a fig tree with leaves, but when He got to it there was not anything on it; it was not the season for figs (v.13). Jesus spoke to the fig tree, “No one will ever eat fruit from you again!” And His disciples heard what He said (v.14). The fruitless tree can be symbolic of fruitless spiritual life of unfaithful children of God. Those who are unfaithful to God do not bear fruit; therefore, like the fruitless fig tree, the Father will cut us off (John 15:2). Whosoever God curses no man can bless.

Verses 15-19 showed Jesus’ anger and how He cleaned the temple, driving out the money changers and merchants who bought and sold animals for sacrifice.  He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. Then He taught them that it is written that His house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations and not a “den of thieves” as they had made it. Jesus was angry at these people who disrespected the house of God to accommodate their own selfish desires. When the scribes and chief priests heard what Jesus had done, they started plotting how they might kill Him. But they were afraid of Him because the people were so amazed at His teaching. When evening came, He went out of the city (v.19).

Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots (v.19). And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away” (V.20). Draw close to God. Stay connected to Him through faith in Jesus and you will live. Separate from Him and we wither spiritually like the fig tree. Give God praise and a hand clap!