The Miracles of Jesus Lesson 21: Withering of the

Barren Fig Tree Matthew 21:17-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24

Background to the Miracle

Jesus had just completed His royal entrance into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-10)

Background to the MiracleDuring this time, the doom of Israel and the future destruction of Jerusalem were on the Lord’s mind (Luke 19:41-44; Matt. 23:37-39)

JerusalemJerusalem viewed from the viewed from the Mount of Olives, Mount of Olives,

coming from Bethanycoming from Bethany

The hour was late, so after looking at everything in the Temple, Jesus and the twelve returned to Bethany for the night (Mark 11:11)

Aerial Photo of Bethany

Background Notes on Fig Trees

Fig trees are members of the genus Ficus. Scientists believe that the Common Fig was one of

the earliest crops cultivated by humans. (Genesis 3:7; Numbers 13:23) Fig “fossils” have been

found at Gilgal. There are many Bible

references to figs. Sitting under ones fig tree

symbolized being blessed by God and at peace. (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4)

Withering of the Barren Fig Tree Matthew 21:17-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24 Coming out of Bethany the next day Jesus was

hungry (Mark 11:12) Seeing from afar a fig tree with leaves, Jesus went

to see if the tree had some fruit. (Mark 11:13) Finding none, Jesus cursed the tree saying, "Let no

one eat fruit from you ever again.” (Mark 11:14) The disciples heard Jesus curse the tree

Immediately it withered away. (Matthew 21:19)

Jesus went into the temple and cleansed it (Mark 11:15-18)

Withering of the Barren Fig Tree Matthew 21:17-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24

When evening had come, He went out of the city. (Mark 11:20)

In the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. (Mark 11:21)

Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away” (Mark 11:22)

Jesus encouraged Peter to “have faith in God” (Mark 11:23)

Lessons from the Barren Fig Tree Matthew 21:17-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-24

Faith gives power to remove mountains (Matthew 21:21)

Prayer is empowered by faith (Mark 11:24-26; James 1:5-8; 1 John 5:14-15)

The nation of Israel was doomed to destruction because it had not born fruit (Luke 19:41-44; Matthew 23:37-39) Disciples who do not bear fruit are also doomed

to destruction. (John 15:1-8) The parable of the fig tree teaches this same

lesson (Luke 13:6-9)