The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry. 13 Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs. And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” 14 And his disciples heard it.
20 Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” 22 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. 23 Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. 24 Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. 25 When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.
Jesus’ behavior in cursing the fig tree seems strange but Mark presents it as a symbolic act, a method of teaching used in the OT (see Is. 20:1-6; Jer. 13:1-11). Jesus knew that the figs would not be ripe at that time and yet he cursed the tree and it withered to its roots (v. 20). What he said and did was to teach the disciples something they had not yet grasped. Those who refused to grasp and act on his words and produce good works will be punished. This applied to Jews as well as Gentiles. The withered fig tree was also a sign of Jesus’ power which he could use at any time to destroy his enemies. Instead, Jesus voluntarily submitted to the Cross and used his power over death to give life.
Peter drew the withered tree to Jesus’ attention. Jesus did not explain the symbolism but told the disciples to, “Have faith in God” (v. 22). With confident faith in God, they could perform great acts of power. Therefore, whatever the disciples confidently ask for in prayer will be granted them by God as long as they believe they will receive it. In OT times standing was normally how people prayed. Kneeling or lying prostrate was a sign of humbly entreating God. The disciples are reminded of the need to forgive others before seeking forgiveness from God (Mt. 6:14-15).
Almighty God, cleanse our hearts that we may forgive others as you forgive us, and look with mercy upon our transgressions. Strengthen us in prayer that we may confidently ask in accordance with your will and truly believe that you will grant what we ask. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Upper Saddle River, NJ, United States, Prentice Hall, 1990.
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