Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

Why did Jesus curse the fig tree? Does Matthew 21:18-19 reveal that Jesus threw a temper tantrum or is there a deeper meaning?

First, let’s understand something about the fig tree: The fruit of the fig tree appears before the leaves. The fig tree bears fruit without visible blossoms and forms its first crop of figs before the leaves appear. Is this important to understanding these verses? Absolutely!

Barbara Bowen (1985) writes:

“Christ and the disciples were passing and looked for

some of the small but sweet first fruit. It was a tree with

leaves, it looked well and useful, but it was a useless tree,

and not only that, it led the passerby to believe it was a

good tree, when it was of no value” (p. 25).

Through His action of cursing the tree, Jesus provided his disciples with a stunning and unforgettable confession: above all things, Jesus hated hypocrisy.

Consider what led up to the fig tree. Previously, Jesus cleansed the temple by driving those out who were buying and selling. Jesus was upset that these men (seeking monetary gain cloaked in religiosity) disgraced the holiness of the temple. What happens next? Jesus starts healing those coming to the temple. As a result, the religious leaders (strutting their stuff as usual) become indignant because the people around them are giving Jesus praise. Jesus witnessed these hypocrites--these religious leaders--who walked around with their proverbial flowers abloom. These fake "men of God" sought adoration but offered nothing in return.

The next day Jesus meets up with the fig tree. Sure, from a distance it looked good; it invited others to approach and partake of what it had to offer. But, the tree was useless. Jesus cursed it! The fig tree represented those that won't walk the talk. Sure, such people look inviting, but closer inspection reveals them as barren and useless.

Lastly, this incident foretells the doom of Jerusalem and the temple—the coming judgment that occurred in 70 A.D. (Matt 3:8-10; 7:15-20; Matt 21:43).

As believers and doers of the Word, each of us must strive to not practice hypocrisy. In humbleness, we serve our Lord. When others seek our help or merely watch us, upon closer inspection, they see the fruits of our living faith.

Bowen, Barbara. (1984). Strange Scriptures that Perplex the Western

Mind. Grand Rapids, MI: WM. B. Eerdmans.