"The Fig Tree", A Closer Look, by Rick Sons

Mark 11:12-14

A Bit About Figs
A fig tree is a Ficus – a genus of about 850 species of woody trees. The fig is a member of the mulberry family. They are unique in that they have an opening, called the “ostiole” or “eye” which is not connected to the tree. The ostiole helps the fruit’s development by increasing its communication with the environment. Figs range dramatically in color and subtly in texture depending upon the variety. The majority of figs are dried, either by exposure to sunlight or through an artificial process, creating a sweet and nutritious dried fruit that can be enjoyed throughout the year. Figs are a good source of potassium, a mineral that helps control blood pressure.

The Season for Figs
Fig trees are cultivated for their edible fruit, with buttress roots that can reach 200 feet. Fig trees grow well in areas that provide eight hours of daily sun and moderate winters. Once a fig tree reaches maturity, it can be expected to produce fruit once to twice per year and can continue to fruit for decades. Young figs do not fruit their first year, and can take a long time to bear. Fig trees produce two crops every year, but only one of them may be edible. The first crop, called the breba crop, occurs relatively early in the year on the previous year’s growth. These fruits are frequently small, acidic, and inferior in texture, but may be useful for preservation. The second crop occurs later in the year on the current year’s growth and these figs should be edible. The exact timing of the main crop depends on your climate and conditions. For example, growers in cooler coastal areas usually harvest their figs during October and November. For warmer and inland climates, the usual harvest time is between June and September.

Figs in the Bible
Figs were first mentioned in Genesis 3:7. The fig tree is mentioned (Deuteronomy 8:8) as one of the valuable products of Israel. It was a sign of peace and prosperity (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zechariah 3:10). Figs were used medicinally (2 Kings 20:7), and for eating – they were pressed together and formed into “cakes” (1 Samuel 30:12; Jeremiah 24:2).

The daily diet of the ordinary ancient Israelite was mainly one of bread, cooked grains, and legumes. Bread was eaten with every meal. Vegetables played a smaller, but significant role in the diet. The Israelites drank goat and sheep’s milk (and butter and cheese) when it was available in the Spring and Summer. Figs and grapes were the fruits most commonly eaten while dates, pomegranates, and other fruits and nuts were eaten more occasionally. Wine was the most popular beverage and sometimes other fermented beverages were produced. Olives were used primarily for their oil. Meat, usually goat and mutton, was eaten rarely and was reserved for special occasions such as celebrations, festival meals, or sacrificial feasts. Game birds, eggs, and fish were also eaten, depending on availability.

Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
Cursing the fig tree is one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. It is included in the gospels of Mark and Matthew, but not in Luke or John. This story is told in two parts. First, in late March or early April, just after the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem and before the cleansing of the Temple, Jesus curses a fig tree for being barren. Second, presumably the next day, the tree has withered which prompts Jesus to speak of the power of prayer.

When Jesus saw that there were no figs on the tree, He cursed it. According to Mark 11:13, it wasn’t the season for figs; Jesus would know this. Why would He curse the tree for not bearing fruit when it wasn’t even fig season?

“The time of the fig is not yet,” says Mark, for it was just before Passover, about six weeks before the fully-formed fig appears. The fact that Mark adds these words shows that he knew what he was talking about. When the fig leaves appear towards the end of March, they are accompanied by a crop of small knobs, called taqsh, a sort of fore-runner of the real figs. These taqsh are eaten by peasants and others when hungry. They drop off before the real fig is formed. But if the leaves appear unaccompanied by taqsh, there will be no figs that year.

When Jesus saw the fig tree from a distance, it appeared to be in good health, possibly having many leaves catching the sun’s light. But when Jesus examined the tree, He found no fruit.

How many of us have only the appearance of bearing fruit? We have the outward leaves drawing attention to us and our deeds. But when Christ examines us as He did the tree, will He find fruit?

Fruit can only come through the Holy Spirit. If you have no fruit, you do not have the Holy Spirit. If you have the Holy Spirit, then you will have fruit.