Jesus’ Life: Chapter 13 – Jesus’ Final Ministry In Jerusalem
Why would Jesus curse a fig tree?
As Jesus and his disciples left Bethany for Jerusalem in the early morning, they were probably feeling hungry. Noticing a green-leaved fig tree, Jesus approached it, possibly in the hope that it had some fruit but there was none. Maybe, it wasn’t the season! However, Jesus cursed the tree saying, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again.”
The following day, when the disciples were leaving Jerusalem, to their surprise they noticed the fig tree was completely dead; withered from the roots upwards. They pointed this out to Jesus while wondering, why had it died so quickly.
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only will you do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive.”
Jesus had delivered a powerful message to his disciples through this action. Yes, he reinforced the importance of their personal faith and prayer but also, that those who reject his teachings will, like the Fig Tree, wither and die. (Matthew 21:18-19, Mark 11:12-14)
Thought
Living as Jesus asks of us is the joy of our love. Seeking his help in times of difficulty is the depth of our faith.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, be in my head and in my understanding, in my words and in my actions, in my faith and in my prayers.
Prayer: Faith (St Benedict)
Gracious and Holy Father,
give us the wisdom to discover You,
the intelligence to understand You,
the diligence to seek after You,
the patience to wait for You,
eyes to behold You,
a heart to meditate upon You,
and a life to proclaim You,
through the power of the Spirit of Jesus, our Lord. Amen.
