The Barren Fig Tree

“And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.” Matthew 21:19

Jesus, as God in the flesh, had the same physical appetites and senses that you and I have. Verse 18 says that He was hungry. As God, He had created all vegetation including all fruit trees (Genesis 1:11), as well as this fig tree.

Just as He was disappointed with the fruitless fig tree which bore leaves only, so also He was disappointed with Israel, represented by the barren fig tree. The fig tree was His to do with as He chose and Israel also was His to bless or to judge.

A little later He would weep over Jerusalem and announce that they would be desolate, forever barren as that fig tree.

Beloved, our Lord is in control of all things. The whole world is His by virtue of creation. He allows us to strut around, bear foliage, remain fruitless and reject Him. One day He is coming back in power and glory. Are you ready for His return?