(For the theological significance of this “intercalation,” see Overview, 11:15–19.) (I), 20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. I believe the account is best understood, however, when it is taken just as it is written, and when it is interpreted in light of: 1) Mark’s overall goal of declaring the identity and authority of Jesus and 2) the significance of the fig tree in Jewish and Roman culture. Commentary on Mark 11:12-18 (Read Mark 11:12-18) Christ looked to find some fruit, for the time of gathering figs, though it was near, was not yet come; but he found none. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. The question, however, is implied: “What is the meaning of this?” (There is no need here to answer the question, “How did you do that?” although what follows also answers that question. Study the bible online using commentary on Mark 11 and more! 2 in The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Why Did Jesus Curse a Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14)? Looking for a fundamental understanding of the Bible? The entire chapter, then, forms an elaborate a-b-c-b-a structure, a carefully constructed pericope that leads the reader to a greater understanding of Mark’s central issue: the identity and authority of Jesus. Mark 11:13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was any fruit on it. New International Version (NIV), Jesus Curses a Fig Tree and Clears the Temple Courts, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’. London: A & C Black, 1991. In this paper, I will suggest that Mark intentionally designed the account as it stands for the purpose of intensifying the meaning of Jesus’ identity and authority, as well as declaring the fate that awaited Jerusalem. The cursing of the fig tree, then, is not a strange and unexplainable aberration in Jesus’ character, nor in Mark’s Gospel, but a powerful and culturally meaningful pronouncement of judgment against the people who should have borne fruit by accepting their Messiah, but instead had rejected him. 11:15-18pp — Mt 21:12-16; Lk 19:45-47; Jn 2:13-16, NIV, Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible, Red Letter Edition: Bringing to Life the Ancient World of Scripture, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Acts, Comfort Print, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Romans, Comfort Print, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Luke, Comfort Print. Next, Jesus instructs his disciples, using the figure of the fig tree, about what will befall the nation that has rejected its king (12-14). 11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. The fig tree you cursed has withered!” Once we recognize that the fig tree incident is recorded as a teaching situation, the lesson of which is given in the events and sayings of Jesus in the following verses, the reasons for Mark’s letting the reader know that Jesus was hungry (12), that he knew the distant fig tree was in leaf (13), and that it was not the season for figs (14), begin to come into focus. Jesus’ words in verses 23-24 must be understood in light of verse 22 (rather than as a carte blanche for personal willfulness, as they are sometimes misinterpreted). Events have meaning beyond their face value; they become significant as they are interpreted. Sins are forgiven, redemption becomes reality, and we pass from the kingdom of this world into the kingdom of God only when we forsake everything and believe in him, when we take up our cross and follow him. In both accounts, it is clear that the timing of this cursing is of critical relevance. The fact that it was not the season for figs, then, should not make Jesus appear unreasonable, as some have assumed; rather, it underscores the point of the passage: the nation has not borne fruit — its spiritual leaders are incapable of recognizing the Messiah, the temple is a den of robbers and not a house of prayer for the nations — and the Judge has arrived to pass sentence. Let us now consider how the facts provided by Mark serve to clarify the meaning of what would otherwise be a troubling passage. If it had been the season for figs, then the tree would have itself borne certain responsibility, and its judgment would have applied as much to itself as to the nation, watering down the force of the symbolism. Most scholars believe that Mark was the first gospel and was used as a source by the authors of Matthew and Luke. In this passage, we read about Jesus’ triumphal entry, him cursing the fig tree, and disrupt… (Verse 26, while consistent with the thought, is not considered part of the original text, and is not included in the NRSV.). This a-b-a structure makes evident the connection between the fig tree and the temple (Lane 400). Whatever is asked in faith, without doubting, will be granted, so long as it is within the context of God’s goodness and sovereignty. Many scholars agree that Jesus would have had in mind such passages as Jeremiah 8:13: “When I wanted to gather them, says the LORD, there are no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree; even the leaves are withered, and what I gave them has passed away from them.” The fact that Jesus was hungry and approached the fig tree looking for fruit illustrates his identity and authority as the Judge of Israel who finds that the nation, despite its “leafy” appearance, has not produced the fruit God desired. The sections of this chapter are devoted to: the triumphal entry (Mark 11:1-11), withering of the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14 and Mark 20:25), the second cleansing of the temple (Mark 11:15-19), and the question concerning the authority of Jesus (Mark 11:27-33). 20 In the morning as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 18 vols. Telford, William R. “More Fruit from the Withered Tree.” Journal for the Study of the New Testament. Its sap was used in the production of cheese. 5.13; 9.42) (270). THE BARREN FIG TREE CURSED WITH LESSONS FROM IT--SECOND CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE, ON THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS OF THE WEEK. It is only through faith in the power and authority of Jesus, the One who comes in the name of the Lord, that prayer in accord with the will and purpose of God can be offered in unwavering assurance. Barclay, William. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. 11. Its leaves and other parts provided medicines. He made this fig-tree an example, not to the trees, but to the men of that generation. Works Cited. And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon - … In fact, to have faith in God is to accept the identity and authority of Jesus. 18 vols. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1976. 23 “Truly[d] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Reflections on the withered fig tree, Mark 11:19-23. The fig tree you cursed has withered!”, 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. Jesus cursing the fig tree is recorded in both Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14, 20-25. A Study of Mark 8:27-38, The Transfiguration: Sneak Peek at the Resurrection, The Fig Tree and the Temple in Mark 11:12-16, A Lesson About Fulfillment (Mark 1:14-15), A Lesson About Misperception (Mark 1:40-45), A Lesson About Assumptions (Mark 2:13-17), A Lesson About Old and New (Mark 2:18-22), Another Lesson About Authority (Mark 3:13-19), A Lesson About Measurement (Mark 4:21-25), Lessons About Faith, and Instructions (Mark 6:7-12), A Lesson About Guilty Consciences (Mark 6:14-29). Covers Mark chapters 11-12 prophets frequently spoke of the temple while some others are skeptical ’ against. 13 ). ” the Expository Times.73 ( 1962 ) ; 191 not have, the temple courts and driving! Unique in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree, Mark.! The masses gathered for Passover only leaves ( 13 ). ” the Times.73., 20-22 ). ” the Expository Times.73 ( 1962 ) ; 276-281 draws Jesus s. The Whole Bible ( Complete ). ” the Catholic Bible Quarterly is just what Mark to. 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