Research Paper On Jesus Curses The Fig Tree

JESUS CURSES THE FIG TREE

Submitted To ---------------------
In Partial Fulfillment Of
REL2240-Intro to New Testament

By
May 1, 2014

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree: An Exegesis of Matthew 21:18-22

Introduction

Jesus is always recognized for His miracles, His miracles that characteristically heal and restore God’s creation. Yet here, and here alone, He intentionally curses and destroys something that God has made. This act seems so out of character compared to His many miracles and healings. “It is most significant that Jesus offers the disciples no interpretation of the cursing itself.” Though He does draw a lesson in this curse, but it is regarding a different matter;
‘How did the fig tree wither so quickly?' they asked" (v. 20). “The disciples focus on the miracle itself rather than its spiritual meaning. Jesus uses it as an opportunity to teach a lesson about faith and prayer. But in doing so, he maintains a link both with the immediate surroundings ("this mountain" is the Mount of Olives) and with the parable that he has just enacted.” v. 21 by way of the more general statement of v. 22: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." The Markan parallel (11:24) is stronger: "Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." “The prayer of 21:22 expresses dependence upon God;. the parallel in Mk 11:22, "Have faith in God." "True prayer takes hold of God's strength" (Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer, 2). Prayer is "impotence grasping hold of omnipotence." One is to "ask for" certain things, and to "receive" them. Things are "done for" the one who prays (Mk 11:23). The sovereign God remains in control. His sovereignty is not supplanted by a sovereign faith to which God in turn is forced to yield. The unqualified and comprehensive promise does not alter the fact that the response to the prayer is a gracious gift of God to his children.” (K. Chamblin). Jesus is also trying to teach His disciples the importance of having faith and not doubting, also is trying to teach them the power of prayer.
I also think that it is a warning for the future Christians, or the future Church, that if they lack fruit, yet give the appearance of being a Christ follower, then we hurt the testimony of the Church and our profession is doomed without fruit. The message is clear: those who claim to be pious better produce the fruit of righteousness or they too will fall under the Lord’s judgment, as Israel has. Michael Green once wrote, “God is no more bound to Christian churches with a long pedigree than He was to Israel with an even longer one.”. If there is no fruit in prayerfulness, evangelism, in love and ministry to the community, God will judge such churches and they will die. I also believe this passage is referring to hypocrisy. The religious leaders of the time were very hypocritical, they were white-washed tombs on the outside, yet spiritually dead on the inside. This passage also teaches that faith is essential for the work of the Lord in v.