Like this fig tree, the nation of Israel has a deceptive appearance. User’s Guide to Sunday, Dec. 20, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, User’s Guide to Sunday, Dec. 13, the Third Sunday of Advent, BOOK PICK: ‘Wisdom of the Heart: The Good, the True and the Beautiful at the Center of Us All’. If people leave the church because the Bible makes it hard for them to worship God, that’s between them and God. That’s what he wants for you. It’s the fulfillment of the prophecy of Malachi 3:1-2. These new God-seekers walked into the church building with oil on their feet and it got all over the carpet. This is something Jesus is willing to fight for, and ultimately, die for. 20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. All he needs is a cross. On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. Luke 21:31 says when you see all these things happening (in the tribulation), know that the kingdom of God is near. We will have to let Jesus rule in our church. Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. As a result, Jesus cursed the fig The fig tree represented the temple, especially her leaders. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. His expectation is consistent with His grace given. Now, this story is really interesting from a historical perspective. Our Master is … So you also, when you see these things happening, know that it is near—at the doors! As a result, Jesus cursed the fig (32) Now learn a parable of the fig tree.--As in so many other instances (comp. On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. We need the real thing. Reproduction of material from this website without written permission, or unlicensed commercial use or So much is packed in here. The lesson of the fig tree. But that doesn’t have to keep him from coming in and changing your story. He had something better. Lewis said, “We were made not primarily that we may love God…but that God may love us.” That’s what worship is: getting close enough to God to let him love you. The tribulation ushers in the kingdom. So let’s look at each part, and notice how to spot the real thing—how to spot true worship of God. Baptism Makes Us Sons and Daughters of the Father, Becoming Beacons of Light Like the Wise Men, Saying ‘Yes’ Like Mary This Advent, As We Prepare for the Christ Child, Buffalo’s New Bishop Focuses on His Faith as He Addresses the Challenges That Await Him, Scottish Bishop Asks Catholics Worldwide to Join Him in Marian Consecration, Influential German Jesuit Behind Synodal Path Finally Steps Down. 33 So also, when you see all these things, you know that He is near, right at the door. He will come to you not with cursing but with blessing. And, of course, later on, it would grow ripe figs. The lesson of the fig tree comes alive every year as I look out my window and think, “dead, dead, dead” and then every spring there comes, “life, life, life.” I know I am forgetting the three barren years of Luke 13, but I am impatient so one season makes me think all is lost. Mat 24:32 “ Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. No doubt they were dumbfounded by his answer: This will happen in their own generation. So why did Jesus go the the temple with his disciples, look around, and leave only to go back the next day? Well, no, but it’s also not necessary. What mountain is that? 15 And they came to Jerusalem. How are we going to get that? 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Login or Create an Account. It is possible to be outwardly religious and inwardly dead. Who can stand? Give me one reason not to do church his way. Who can worship God in a Wal-Mart? One important lesson to understand from the parable of the fig tree is that God’s grace is enduring, regardless of whether people deserve it or not. But it wasn’t his final resting place. Only the High Priest inside the Most Holy Place, and that was only once a year, on the day of Atonement. Throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree held spiritual value as a symbol for Israel, serving as a metaphor for their standing with God. That’s why I’m thankful for a song like Andy Gullhorn’s “I Haven’t Either.” C.S. He blocks more harm from getting in. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. We just have to let our preferences set the agenda, let our feelings rule our interactions, let God’s word about loving one another for Jesus’ sake become mild suggestions rather than holy commands. The temple was the center of life and worship. God loves to bring sinners to himself. But the tree didn’t even have that. b. But they look real. But it wasn’t, at least not alive to God. They were hypocrites. Cresting the Mount of Olives in Bethany, they saw a citadel built by Herod the Great for refuge in case of war. 28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. ( The gospel of John omits it entirely and shifts the incident with which it is connected, the cleansing of the temple, from the end of Jesus' career to the beginning.) Do we realize what God has done in Jesus Christ? That’s why he returns to the fig tree, which is our next point. And though we can see that clearly now, it wasn’t so easy to see in Jesus’ day. The leaders should have been there to help but their heart wasn’t in it. Copyright © 2020 EWTN News, Inc. All rights reserved. How much do we care? Catholic Church. As soon as the twigs get tender, what is the tree doing? Maybe he’s cleaning some of us out right now. It wasn’t a big thing, right? So it wasn’t the season for figs, but the leaves indicated it was the season for these little nubs. As Jesus’ body was torn on the cross, the temple curtain was also torn, as Matthew tells us “from top to bottom” (Matthew 27:51), meaning, God tore it. 20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. In the temple, there was no direct access to God for everyone. Jesus stood in the outer court of the temple, the only place Gentiles could go to find God. It didn’t happen all at once. God brought revival. “The chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him.”. Still, we are given signs, and if we are wise, we will consider them and “learn a lesson from the fig tree” (Mark 13:28), as Christ points out. And you know what that makes you? It’s a dead tree, no matter how full the leaves are. He doesn’t care about how you come to him. He is the meeting place. The fig tree symbolizes the deadness of Israel’s worship. And since we’re already talking about food, this passage comes at us like f a sandwich in three parts: fig tree/temple/fig tree. The mountain of dead worship they saw in the temple. But stories and songs trick them and go around—kind of like Jesus’ stories and lessons. It's coming back to life, meaning that the tree is being revived. Jesus doesn’t love hollow religiosity. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. THE WITHERED FIG TREE​—A LESSON ABOUT FAITH JESUS’ AUTHORITY IS CHALLENGED Leaving Jerusalem on Monday afternoon, Jesus returns to Bethany on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives. Although his retirement was announced last year, Father Hans Langendörfer delayed his departure due to the COVID-19 crisis. Jesus says “learn a lesson from the fig tree.” This does not mean interpret what the fig tree is. They may even be able to move mountains, though that is arguably a bit of hyperbole on his part. SubscribeStart your Register subscription today. What did He say about the fig tree? 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”. The temple was amazing. They decided, together, that they would rip up the carpet and the pews before they would again hinder one of these young beach kids from worshiping God. That can sound scary, but it’s really a wonderful thing. But he does love sinners. The temple in Jerusalem was much the same. Showy religion is so boring. monetization of National Catholic Register RSS feeds is strictly prohibited. God has come. We don’t have time to do all that. Why? The Jews could enter the next level. How about we make a commitment this morning, united together, to never establish any barrier that would keep others from Christ? Christ’s curse is a foreshadowing of what will happen to hypocrites — those Israelites who, like the fig trees with leaves, promise fruit but fail to deliver. Throughout the Old Testament, the fig tree held spiritual value as a symbol for Israel, serving as a metaphor for their standing with God. print and digital media outlets, dedicated to reporting the truth in light of the Gospel and the In fact, it’s the only time in the Gospels where Jesus uses miraculous power for wounding rather than healing. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in… Where sinners met with God. Jesus says “learn a lesson from the fig tree.” This does not mean interpret what the fig tree is. And now Jesus has shown up. His leaves never whither and his fruit never fades for those who need it. He brings God’s glory in. 34 Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened. Who of us hasn’t? Yet at the same time, none of us knows how much time we have left—so we'd better get moving! Posted on Aug 22, 2014 by Darris McNeely Estimated reading time: 9 minutes. Maybe you came here this morning and didn’t even know you had this mountain of religiosity blocking your worship. Here’s why that’s so significant. Verse 24, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” This isn’t a promise to grant our every wish. “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. We need fruit. How can Jesus move the mountain of dead worship in the temple? Lesson #2: The Master is patient with us. And, believe it or not, he actually wants to be near to us. When they were stepped on, they stuck to the bottom of their feet. Mark Sandwich Again a. And when he saves you, he cleanses you, and sends his Spirit to live inside you. But it wasn’t doing what it was supposed to do. Jesus becomes the very center of our life and worship. 28 “Take a lesson from the fig tree: as soon as its branches grow tender and its leaves sprout, you know that summer is near.” 29 So also, when you see these things happening, you know that the Promised One is near, right at the door. Whether the Final Judgment will come before our individual judgment or not, the fact remains: Our time is limited. But you have made it a den of robbers.” Where was it written that it should be a house of prayer? He overturns what doesn’t belong. Was it a divine overreaction? His heart must have been wrenched at the thought of such horrors. When Jesus died, the temple died too. When God comes inside the hollow religious heart of Israel, what happens? This act of cleansing the temple cost Jesus. It was like the fig tree—full of leaf but without fruit. Is it too much to ask of people to wear shoes to church? Who can endure? A few years ago, our youngest son hungry for pears went to the bowl every time he saw it, picked one up, and bit in. We have two options: we can make rules to exclude or remove barriers to include. C.S. It was time to act. With constant prayer, frequent sacraments and daily sacrifices, as we lay our lives down again and again, subjecting everything within us to his authority and to his mercy. We have to be bearing much fruit, not just give an appearance of religiosity. He’s bigger than your sin. If Herod could move a hill to establish a place of refuge, could God not move a mountain? However long this era lasts, it will only end with the Second Coming and Final Judgment. After another long day of back-and-forth with the Pharisees, the disciples leaving the Jerusalem Temple with Jesus marvel at the magnificence of the building. We just have to fail to welcome people, fail to make it easy to find Jesus. Robert George Discusses Capitol Riots and the Nation's Polarization, The Poison of Polarization: DC Violence Highlights America’s Deep Divisions, Alex Trebek and ‘Jeopardy!’ Have Given Us a Potpourri of Popery Over the Years, After Georgia Senate Setbacks, the Pro-Life Movement Prepares to Play Defense, Confidentiality Dispute Piles Pressure on Cardinal Accused of Mishandling Abuse Cases. Bishop John Keenan will lead a first-of-its-kind Marian consecration in his Diocese of Paisley, Scotland, and invites those across the Atlantic to join him via social media. He can bring you too, no matter how far you are from true worship right now. The fig tree illustration is important because what he says to the tree becomes true the next day. Introduction 1. Why settle for anything less when we can have real righteousness? 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. It was where God dwelt on Earth with man. God judges fruitlessness, and expects that those who have a relationship with Him will “bear much fruit” (John 15:5-8). We need another way—another tree from which to eat. The church had just installed new carpet and new pews. And like Adam and Eve after the fall, this fig tree, though full in leaf, was useful only to cover nakedness. Jesus can’t be ruined. God is glorified by the fruit of our efforts for His kingdom, and He expects us to “bear much fruit”. They looked so good to him. He said it shows Jesus as a furious man unable to control his anger, not worthy of the supposed “Son of God.”. LESSONS OF THE FIG TREE As Jesus and His disciples were traveling from Bethany to Jerusalem the day after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus saw a fig tree having leaves, but upon closer inspection He saw it had no fruit “for it was not the season for figs” (Mark 11:13). In him he has said everything; there will be no other word than this one.” (CCC 65). We also explore related Bible Verses & Scripture Quotes to further illustrate the meaning and application of this important parable. He saw a fig tree in leaf, but when he got to it, he saw no figs. When you come to God, you don’t get everything you deserve. “Whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.” Here’s another object lesson, like the fig tree. I’m just showing you what’s available. Isaiah 56 is about the nations coming to God. Do you know what happened to that little church? So when they passed by the fig tree again and it had withered away to its roots. Why did Jesus take out his anger on the poor fig tree? This can happen inside a church too. That’s why Jesus says in verse 17, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? Every year, we take a trip to Kansas City to visit our best friends. She is editor of SpiritualDirection.com and coordinates adult faith formation at her parish in Phoenix, where she lives with her husband and their six children. Jesus saw what everyone would have seen upon close inspection: this tree was dead. There is yet another connection between the withering of the fig tree and the quality of faith. And there was a curtain separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, representing the distance between the Holy God and sinful man. Maybe you’ve made your heart a den of robbers. But we can give that up. But those usually aren’t our biggest problem. Jesus cared so much about removing barriers to worship that he lost his life over it. Sinners couldn’t get close to God. That matters because as he goes into the temple, it’s not just another man going there. How did the temple get to this point? fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near The temple was an amazing place. The Lesson of the Fig Tree (Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33) 32 Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its branches become tender and sprout leaves, you know that summer is near. That’s the heart of Jesus. Claire Dwyer blogs about saints, spirituality and the sacred every day at EventheSparrow.com and contributes regularly to WomenofGrace.com. And in Jesus, it could not be easier. The place that was meant for finding freedom in God became a place where it was hard to find God. All we need to know is that each instant marches onward toward God’s fulfillment, gaining momentum as it goes. We can see that this elaborate buying and selling and money-changing operation is a scam to make money off poor worshipers who only want to meet with God—much like the prosperity gospel preachers of our day. Gullahorn’s song ends like this, showing just how foolish our self-deception is. So God gave us Jesus. He is the sacrifice to grant forgiveness. The only question remaining is simple: do you want to come? “Shirts and shoes please.” He took it down, and after church met with the church leaders. And like Adam and Eve after the fall, this fig tree, though full in leaf, was useful only to cover nakedness. What? He is where sinful men and women meet with the Holy God. What’s going on? That’s what Jesus wants for his disciples. . For what? And if you look closely, they all have teeth marks. A temple fit for true worship. In the Parable of the Talents, the man with one talent was judged severely for his faithlessness to the gift given (Matthew 15:30). 32″Now learn the parable from the fig tree: when its branch has already become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near ; 33 so, you too, when you see all these things, recognize that He is near, right at the door. Look at verse 23. “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. But he doesn’t only reveal what’s there; he does something about it. Repentance is necessary, and it is possible with God's help. But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?”. But what is this mountain? This lesson escapes the Twelve, who are more amazed at the speed with which Jesus’ words come true (Matt. But only the priests could go inside the Holy Place. The Problem Chuck Smith was a pastor of a little church in Costa Mesa, California. And it will be quite a tribulation; the imminent destruction of the Temple would also mean the massacre of a million Jews during the siege of Jerusalem by the Romans. You get his resurrection life. The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. In the parable, the master had passed by the barren tree for three years before he said anything about it. He is the worship center. What happens when Jesus shows up to people like that? You can do a whole study of the meaning of Israel as the fig tree and the purpose of the temple. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches about “those days” after the coming tribulation, days of a darkened sun and a dull moon, falling stars, shaken heavens. You could eat these, and travelers often did. It looked alive. It was the place to worship. We will have to open our hearts to those not like us. Was Jesus hangry? How could Jesus raise it up again in three days? 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. Last week, we saw from Mark 11:1-11 the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. What appeared full of life was actually lifeless. Instead, He teaches on prayer, informing His followers that believing prayer … b. By cursing the tree, Jesus simply stated the obvious. With a UCG.org account you will be able to save items to read and study later! The Second Coming is suspended as we await the conversion of souls to Christ; and so, first, we must continually re-establish the Kingdom in our own hearts. Jesus wants his disciples to see this. He showed us the kind of forgiving heart God has. Look at verse 18. The fact is, he didn’t really harm the tree at all. They didn’t know any better. First, Jesus explains the power and importance of faith — it is faith in God that gave him the power to curse the fig tree and make it wither overnight and similar faith on the disciples’ part will give them the power to work other wonders. They chose not to put up a barrier and God brought the people. 34 “Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”. The vineyard owner represents God, the one who rightly expects to see fruit on His tree and who justly decides to destroy it when He finds none. Lesson from the fig tree Lk 13:6-9 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree, planted in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it, but did not find any. Jesus isn’t putting himself in a genie’s bottle. Some scholars had real trouble with it. You get his atoning death. He had to confront it. “And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. About ten years ago, he released a song called “I Haven’t Either.” It starts off lighthearted, but the point it makes is profound. He shows us that we are like that. One day Jesus was walking along the road and He saw a fig tree. In this case the fig tree story helps us to understand what Jesus is doing clearing the Temple. As we see things roll toward their fulfillment, we never take our eyes off the promise of the eternal kingdom. User’s Guide to Sunday, the Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord. Look again, beginning with verse 22. He can now tell you, though, that no matter how good they look, they’re fake. And you don’t even have to deserve it. The war is won, the victory promised. There were four layers, each one a step closer to God. Didn’t do anything. It happens one compromise at a time. We have the advantage of hindsight. We also proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, making the message of Christ irresistible by our joyful witness. This event, brought about because of the rejection of their Messiah by the Jews, would definitively close the chapter of the Old Covenant, and it would be the final end of animal sacrifice, fulfilled in the one perfect sacrifice of the cross. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.” Kind of weird, huh? In depth inductive Bible study of Jesus' parable of the fig tree in Matthew 24:32-44, Mark 13:28-32, and Luke 21:29-33 are good for small group studies. By his death that day on the cross, Jesus brought a robber to heaven. It was where the sacrifices were made to grant purification and forgiveness. The lesson of the fig tree is that we should bear spiritual fruit ( Galatians 5:22-23 ), not just give an appearance of religiosity. Application of this important parable these new God-seekers walked into the church leaders entered the temple, her... Ever felt compelled to get to Jesus and his followers two options: we can have real righteousness do whole. Of the fig tree to a man clergy with a Free trial subscription christianity been... The purpose of the fig tree and the purpose of the temple and see the hypocrisy from true cost. 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