In the passion week, Jesus rode a colt into Jerusalem while the people shouted, “Hosanna!” He cleansed the Temple of money changers and set his fate with the Pharisees. Jesus also killed a fig tree (Matthew 21:1-22; Mark 11:1-25). These events seem to show an abrupt change of character.
One Week
Jesus rode a colt into Jerusalem while the people shouted, “Hosanna!” He cleansed the Temple of money changers and set his fate with the Pharisees. Jesus also killed a fig tree (Matthew 21:1-22; Mark 11:1-25). These events seem to show an abrupt change of character.
He was usually reserved about telling people who he was. Yet, riding a colt into the city announced his kingship (Zechariah 9:9). The people expected this king to defeat enemies and bring peace. This ride solidified the religious leader’s rejection of his authority. It gave them a reason to believe that he might try to usurp their authority.
He was out of character at the Temple. Instead of drawing people to teach, he made a whip and drove them away. For this holiday, vendors had set up shop inside the Temple walls. High priced souvenirs and the temptation of trade-in animals for a “better” sacrifice distracted worship from God. Jesus said the Temple had become “a den of robbers” (Jeremiah 7:11). This referenced passage told the people that their bought sacrifices were worthless because lip service did not conceal daily actions. Jesus stated that God would destroy this Temple, just like the last one. Without change, there would not be peace. Destruction would come instead (Malachi 4:4-6).
Jesus said the Temple should “be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:7). Mosaic Law forbids non-Jews from entering the Temple to make a sacrifice. But, those who were in charge only kept Law outwardly. They made everyone feel unworthy of love by God. Therefore, God would change the Law. He would grant entrance to all those who followed his ways, even non-Jews.
Then there was the tree. It merely stood near the road and did not provide breakfast. Was that so wrong? Did it deserve death? Most theologians interpret the event as a sign that Jerusalem would perish, and destruction would be quick. They see the tree’s death as one more sign of the power of Jesus.
Faith and Signs
I do not see it that way.
When the apostles asked about the withering, Jesus responded that faith gives power to our words. Faith should fill our words with forgiveness.
Now, that sounds in-line with the character and message of Jesus. He explained our potential but not His action. That lets it becomes a parable, which clarifies why forgiveness is so important.
About a year before, Jesus told the parable of the fig tree (Luke 13:6-9). The landowner wanted it cut down because it had not produced fruit. The gardener begged for the tree’s life. He would cultivate and fertilize the soil. Maybe, it was nutrient starved. In a year, they would know the tree’s worth. Without fruit, it would die.
Jesus recognized the signs. Maybe not all the details, but from scripture and the Father, he knew his life was about to end painfully. Jesus told his friends snippets of what was about to happen. He predicted the coming war and the destruction of their beloved Temple. More importantly, Jesus understood it all started that week.
For any human, such knowledge brings stress. Jesus was fully human and experienced all our emotions. The fig tree died when the human side of Jesus vented frustration. He then fully realized what his words could do and told the disciples that his emotions influenced his words. What happened was not good. He killed instead of healed.
Keeping Silent
This event had a profound effect on Jesus. Without it happening at that critical point, he might not have kept silent during the abusive interrogation, the bloody sentencing, and the agonizing conviction. Jesus might have cried out to God for vengeance. Jerusalem would have died that day. The savior of the world would have become the executioner. The reason for his existence would have abruptly ended.
But, Jesus learned from God. Through the pain, Jesus kept his mouth closed. He did not defend or condemn. Jesus even asked God to forgive the actions done through ignorance. Because a tree died, God granted Jerusalem 40 more years to change her ways, 40 years to learn righteousness, 40 years to become fruitful.
The faithful learned. The leaders drove them away as heretics. The people of Jerusalem condemned themselves. The “owner” of that “tree” cut it down.
Moral: Remember that when your heart aligns with God, forgiveness brings life, and angry venting brings death. Your words mean something. They change the world.
8 Responses
Well done. We give lip service to a fully-human Jesus but then again, we never expect him to show that human side.
So, God knows everything, remembers the future, lives outside of time. So he set the tree up to die?
This question has pestered theologians for a very long time. Were Judas’ actions predestined? Prophesy said someone would. Jesus figured out who before it happened. Do any of us really have free will?
If we do not have free will, then God lied to us. The covenants, promises, and many prophecies have two outcomes dependent upon the people’s choices. God did not force Judas to follow Jesus any more than He forced him to steal from the group funds. The man’s judgment had good and bad days. Yes, Judas could have decided friendship was greater than silver. God lets people make wrong decisions. God will judge his heart.
God knows all the possibilities of every possible event. Many are less likely to occur then others, and some are sure bets. He knows the likelihood of any particular event happening. He can also focus multiple occurrences to produce a desired event.
Trees do not have a choice. Jesus was a human who lived within the randomness of God’s creation. He could have eaten before walking out into the country. He could have forgiven the tree. His choices took Him to a place where He learned a valuable lesson. In listening, He fulfilled prophecy.
Transferred from Facebook – James E Myers
I stand rebuked for my words spoken in anger. I never had a good understanding of the cursed fig tree before. Now I can see it as an example of the power of faith and the power it gives.
Transferred from Facebook – Michael Edwards
Fascinating and important concept. Do you think Jesus learned that from the fig tree incident, or that he already knew it would be for a parable? I am open to both ideas; just curious about your insight. And yes — this is a powerful call to temper our words and our heart!
I believe Jesus was 100% human and learned as He traveled life. If He knew everything, then He was not 100% human and the apostles were wrong. But as a human we humans can relate to Him and say we can be like Him. That said, He was/is also 100% God. He could not know everything the Father knows or His brain would melt. So, He relied on the Father to guide His ways and His words.
Transferred from Facebook – Kelley E. Myers
That's really cool Jo. Usually when I encounter that passage it reminds me of a sermon I heard a while ago. The tree was in full leaf, out of season, and was " false advertising" its fruitfulness. Jesus was rightly angry at the tree for misrepresentation. It was then likened to a person who shows the appearance of Christianity, but not the spirit.
I really like the way you interpreted it though, thanks for the brain food!
I have heard the "out of season" story too. Learning about the growth habits of the tree is quite interesting, but I still never understood why He killed it. God is not in the habit of killing people on first sight just for doing bad things. Biblically, almost all transgressors are given 70 times 70 chances to repent, even for murder.
Transferred from Facebook – Iris Lynne Nibling Williams
I really enjoyed your parable, especially the logic of linking the cursed tree to Jesus's parable of the fig tree. Great writing, again.