Mark 11:12-14, 20-25 (Matt. 21:18-19, 20-22)

The thought that the fig tree is in some way symbolic of Israel should come as no surprise if you have read the OT prophets.  In fact, the vine and fig tree are frequently used in tandem to refer to the land of Israel and its productivity or lack of same (e.g. Joel 1:7; 2:22; Hos. 9:10).  One of the common references to the provision of the land is that someone sits under his vine and his fig tree (Mic. 4:4; Zech. 3:10; Isa. 36:16).  And a barren fig tree also speaks of the time when Israel will not benefit from the land (Jer. 8:13; Hos. 2:12).

When you come to the NT you see that the fig tree is a picture of Israel is important in the ministry of Jesus.  Consider three times He used this picture.

·       *  Luke 13:6-9: In the midst of His ministry (likely about a year before His death) Jesus told this parable about a man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard.  For three years it bore no fruit but before he cut it down he gave it one more year.  This fits perfectly Jesus point.  The shepherds of Israel at that time had not been willing to submit to Jesus as Messiah.  They would have one more year and then their decision would be final.

·        *Mark 11:12-14, 20-25: Jesus is just days before His death.  The fact that He cursed a fig tree for not bearing fruit when it was not fig season will throw you off if you do not keep in mind the consistent symbolism.  God was at work providing salvation, not only for Israel but for the world; He was using Israel’s rejection of Christ.  Their blindness happened lest they should see … so that I should heal them (Matt. 13:14-15).  This is not a story about Jesus being angry because He was hungry and the tree had no fruit.  It is a story for the benefit of His disciples, and for us.  The fig tree (Israel) is cursed and will bear no fruit.  Jesus will be rejected and Israel will suffer the consequences.  But the event also teaches us about faith, about trusting God as He did.

·        *Mark 13:28-31: But there is a time coming when the fig tree (Israel) will again put forth leaves, showing that the time is near for Jesus’ return.  Jesus gave this parable after the climax of His prophetic teaching on the Mount of Olives.  He noted many signs and events that would happen before He returned.  But His return would be near when the fig tree puts on leaves.  No one knows the day and hour (13:32) but the regathering of the nation should make it clear that the season is approaching.  The amazing words of v31 are given in this context of the nation of Israel: Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.  Many time, as God promised to judge Israel, He also made it clear that He would never totally destroy her but would fulfill His promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The fig tree symbolizes Israel.  But in each use of this symbol we are encouraged to trust God to keep His word.  Have faith in God ... Whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive, and you will have (11:22,24).