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The FIG TREE

 We received the following question:

Can you give me any insight into the parable of the fig tree? just briefly, what would you say was the basic lesson He was teaching the disciples?

Response:

In Matt 24, in the context of the end of the age, Jesus has described various things that would be associated with the end of the age - and He then says that they are as sure to come - and as imminent (at that time) - as when you see the fig tree leafing, you KNOW that summer is SURELY right around the corner !

In Luke 13, vs 6 ff must be taken with v.5. Unless you repent you shall perish - in that context the parable of the fig tree deals with the fruitlessness - repentance is necessary to become fruitful. Failure to repent >> continued fruitlessness > barrenness > death.

In Matthew 21:18.. is a difficult passage. There are two parts. First, concerning the condemning of the tree, it is important to note that the tree was NOT doing what it was supposed to be doing. The fig tree is supposed to bring forth figs. THIS fig tree only brought forth leaves. Judgment will be upon those who bear NO fruit. ALL believers are to bear fruit - e.g. the Spirit abides in us, and the fruit of the Spirit is...Gal. 5:22-23. He who has not the Spirit of God is none of His. So a person who has NO fruit would appear to be an unbeliever who abides under the wrath of God and faces God's judgment. 

As to the second part, I have my own ideas about this. Jesus is obviously (to me, anyway) not teaching about physical power to command mountains, etc. I believe His concern is to teach His disciples deep spiritual truths and so we should look for spiritual meaning here. To pronounce judgment on one who is already condemned (he who has not the Son has not life...) isn't really all that spectacular, but greater works shall they do - what might that be? To proclaim the Gospel which is the POWER of God unto salvation - this is FAR greater - to see the power of converting a condemned soul from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of His dear Son (Col. 1) is a FAR greater work than pronouncing judgment on those who are already condemned.
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  • Home
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    • Covenant Theology >
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      • Songs Better Left Unsung >
        • Come, Thou Almighty King
        • Create in Me a Clean Heart
        • Faith of Our Fathers
        • Just a Little Talk with Jesus
        • The Old Rugged Cross
        • Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
        • Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart
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  • Critical Questions
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    • Who is God?
    • Can we really know God? >
      • The "Knowing God" Study >
        • God IS
        • GOD IS ABLE
        • God is AWESOME
        • God is COMPASSIONATE
        • God is a CONSUMING FIRE
        • God is My DEFENSE
        • God is My DELIVERER
        • God is FAITHFUL
        • God is FOR you !
        • God is GOOD
        • God is GRACIOUS
        • God is GREAT
        • God is my GUIDE
        • God is My HELPER
        • God is my HIGH TOWER
        • God is HOLY
        • God is JEALOUS
        • God is JUDGE
        • God is KIND
        • God is KING
        • God is LIFE
        • God is LIGHT
        • God is LONGSUFFERING
        • God is LOVE
        • God is MERCIFUL
        • God is MIGHTY
        • God is PERFECT
        • God is PRECIOUS
        • God is PURE
        • God is my REDEEMER
        • God is my REFUGE
        • God is my REWARDER
        • God is RIGHTEOUS
        • God is my ROCK
        • God is SALVATION
        • God is my SHEPHERD
        • God is my SHIELD
        • God is SLOW TO ANGER
        • God is my SONG
        • God is SPIRIT
        • God is my STRENGTH
        • God is a WARRIOR
        • God is WISE
        • God is WITH me
        • Jesus is the BREAD
        • Jesus is the DOOR
        • Jesus is the HEAD
        • Jesus is the LAMB
        • Jesus is the SHEPHERD
        • Jesus is the TRUTH
        • Jesus is the WAY
        • Jesus is WORTHY
        • Holy Spirit is COMFORTER
    • Who is Jesus?
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  • Bible
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        • God Uses People to Help Us
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