Holy Monday: Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?

Holy Week Reading Plan: Matthew 21:18-46

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In Matthew 21:18-22 there is this peculiar story about Jesus cursing a fig tree.

Verses 18-19 reads:

Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.

(New International Version). 

At first glance, the fig tree looked healthy and fruitful. But upon closer look, it was just a facade. The fig tree had the appearance of fruit. However, it did not have actual fruit. 

I think that this peculiar story has implications for Christians and Christian leaders today.

Just like the fig tree, Christians can have the appearance of spiritual fruit: 

• You can be a Pastor with the appearance of fruit, 
• You can lead a non-profit or ministry with the appearance of fruit.
• You can host a small group with the appearance of fruit.
• You can go to a Christian school with the appearance of fruit.

While this stuff is good and can cultivate fruit, it is not fruit in and of itself. And as tempting as it may be to maintain appearances, the facade will eventually be discovered. `

The application from the story of the fig tree is twofold:

1. As Christians, our efforts need to be spent on cultivating actual fruit, not curating the appearance of fruit. 
2. As Christian leaders, we need to be able to discern actual fruit from the appearance of it.