Out of Order: The Lesson of the Fig Tree

Introduction

Have you ever read the passage in Matthew where Jesus curses a fig tree for being fruitless? At first glance, it might seem like a reasonable reaction—after all, the tree wasn’t fulfilling its purpose of producing fruit. But then, Mark adds an intriguing twist to the story: he mentions that it wasn’t even the season for figs! So, why would Jesus curse a tree for failing to do something it wasn’t supposed to do at that time? Doesn’t that seem… a bit harsh?

Let’s dig deeper. Mark 11:13 tells us that the tree had leaves. Here’s something fascinating about fig trees: if a fig tree has leaves, it should also have fruit. In fig trees, fruit and leaves grow together. So, this tree was giving the false impression that it was fruitful when it wasn’t. That’s why Jesus cursed it.

But why make such a dramatic statement? Let’s unpack three key lessons from this moment that can transform how we live out our faith.

1. The Power of Your Words

One of the biggest lessons Jesus demonstrated here is the power of our words. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

When Jesus cursed the fig tree, He didn’t spend hours praying or pleading. He simply spoke, and the tree withered. His words carried authority—an authority that, as believers, we also carry through faith in Him.

Think about it: What are you speaking over your life, your circumstances, or even others? Are you speaking life and blessings, or death and negativity? James 3:10 tells us that fresh and bitter water can’t flow from the same spring. If you’re speaking negativity, you’re sowing seeds of negativity. If you’re declaring life, you’re planting seeds of hope and growth.

Jesus showed us that our words matter. Let’s follow His example and speak with faith, intention, and authority.

2. Faith Like God’s Faith

When Peter saw the withered fig tree the next day, he was amazed. Jesus’ response in Mark 11:22 was, “Have faith in God.” But a more accurate translation of the original Greek text says, “Have God’s faith.”

What does that mean? It’s the difference between believing in God and actually believing God.

Do you believe God when He says you’re victorious in Christ (Romans 8:37)?
Do you believe God when He says He hasn’t given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)?
Do you believe God when He says you can speak to the mountain, and it will move (Mark 11:23)?

Jesus wasn’t just demonstrating faith; He was showing us what it means to have God’s kind of faith—a confident, unshakable belief that when you speak in alignment with God’s Word, it will be done. Do you have that kind of faith?

3. Fruit Over Facade

Here’s where the fig tree becomes a metaphor for something deeper: a religion without relationship. The fig tree had leaves but no fruit. It looked healthy, but it wasn’t fulfilling its purpose. Similarly, a life that follows religious rituals without a thriving relationship with God can look good on the outside but bear no real fruit.

Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.”

Religion, without the Spirit of God, reproduces more religion—rules, routines, and rituals—but not the fruits of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us what those fruits are: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

When we’re connected to Jesus, our lives produce real, nourishing fruit that blesses others and glorifies God. But when we’re caught up in empty religion, we’re like that fig tree—all leaves, no fruit.

Fig Trees in Context

Let’s pause for a quick botanical lesson about fig trees:

Fig trees are often a symbol of prosperity and blessing in the Bible (Micah 4:4).
They produce two harvests per year: an early harvest (the “breba” figs) and a main harvest.
If a fig tree has leaves, it’s expected to have early fruit, even if the main harvest isn’t due yet.
A barren fig tree was often seen as a sign of judgment or disfavor (Jeremiah 8:13).

Understanding these facts makes Jesus’ actions even more profound. The fig tree represented Israel—a nation that outwardly appeared faithful but wasn’t producing the fruit of righteousness and justice God desired (Isaiah 5:1-7).

What Fig Tree Are You?

Let’s turn the question inward: Are you a fig tree that shows leaves without fruit? Do you put on the appearance of faith while lacking the fruit of a Spirit-led life? Or are you deeply rooted in Christ, producing fruit that nourishes others and glorifies God?

Jesus calls us to more than appearances. He calls us to a vibrant relationship with Him that produces fruit—not by our own efforts, but by His Spirit working in and through us.

Today, believe what God says about you:

You are more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).
You are already righteous through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39).

Be led by the Spirit. Spend time in God’s Word. Let Him prune you into a fruitful tree that brings life to those around you.

Be blessed and stay fruitful,
Barry