Mark 11: 12 – 14: 20
When Jesus and His disciples came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if He could find anything on it. When He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And He said to it, “may no one ever eat fruit from you again”. And His disciples heard it (V12 – 14).
As they passed by in the morning they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots (V20).
A reasonable question frequently asked by many Christians in the church - ‘Why should Jesus curse the fig tree when it was not the season for figs?’ Without knowing the truth behind the pattern of fruit bearing of this tree in Israel, the understanding of this passage could be difficult.
- A fig tree does not bear fruit only for two months in a year. That is the only time when there are no leaves on the tree.
- The leaves begin to appear by the end of March and within a week the tree is covered with leaves.
- When there are leaves on the tree, it is an assurance that there is fruit – an unripe fruit different from the regular figs called Baakoor. This is a fruit which the poor and the hungry eat. It was this fruit that Jesus expected to find, seeing the green leaves and was disappointed. Any tree that has green leaves but without baakoor (first-fruit), Jesus knew that the tree would be barren and therefore cursed it.
- The regular fruit that appears during the season which the whole world is familiar with, is called kirmoos.
Jesus was prophetically indicating to his disciples on his way to the temple, that there were many inhabitants in Jerusalem who were green like the fig tree but without fruit and what happened to the fig tree could even happen to them. Just like Jesus, there could have been many passers-by, who could have been deceived by this fig tree.
Thought for the day: Do not judge a person by his outward looks but by his fruits!