Bible Questions Answered:
Why would Jesus curse a tree?
Den W./ Gainesville, Florida
Mark 11:12-14; 20,21 NLT
12 The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.
13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so He went over to see if He could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit.
14 Then Jesus said to the tree, "May no one ever eat your fruit again!" And the disciples heard him say it.
20 The next morning as they passed by the fig tree He had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up.
21 Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, "Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!"
Bible Answer:
The Fig tree, is different than most trees. It produces it's fruit, before it displays it's leaves. If you would see a fig tree with a full display of leaves, you would know that fruit would be there.
The tree had put all of it's strength into it's “full-display,” of leaves, and yet, it had no fruit.
The tree was a living lie.
II Timothy 3:1-5 KJV
[1] This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
[2] For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
[3] Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
[4] Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
(Again in the New Living Translation)
II Timothy 3:1-5 NLT
1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.
2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.
3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.
4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
This tree was exactly like the Jewish nation, who though they had Jesus with them, and heard His messages, yet they were none the better, their lives, were lives of fruitlessness.
Oh, their religious actions had much “Pomp and Circumstance,”yet it was all a lifeless sham.
Why was Jesus so incensed, it was because, a lifeless (fruitless) tree, that looks so beautiful, and calls so many to itself, none the less gives no (fruit) life to those who come to it.
Religiosity, itself only damns mens souls, being only a lifeless form (Religious Ritual).
[5] Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
[21] Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
[22] Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
[23] And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Is it possible to have Great (seemingly spiritual) Works, and not know the Lord?
Yes!
These false, empty, Religious Workers (and churches), are of all men the most dangerous!
Because they lead mankind to ritualistic spiritual death!
Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV
[8] For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works(including Religious works, however great!), lest any man should boast.
John 14:6 KJV
“Jesus saith unto him (Thomas), I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
John 3:16-18 KJV
[16] For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
[17] For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.
[18] He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
