A Miracle Of Judgment

     In Matthew 21:18-19 we read, “In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, ‘May no fruit ever come from you again!’ And the fig tree withered at once.”

     At first glance this particular miracle seems to be completely out of character for our Lord. Some might be inclined to say that this resembles a childish outburst more than anything else. Jesus was hungry, the fig tree disappointed Him, and so He struck it down in a burst of mindless anger. I would agree that such an act would have been petty and childish if that’s what Jesus had done. Let’s consider this a bit more closely to see if there is more to this miracle than meets the eye and the lessons we may draw from it.

     This is the only recorded miracle of Jesus that was not performed on the basis of mercy and compassion. The one on the business end of this miracle was not helped in any way. This miracle was entirely one of judgment where an offending party was destroyed for its transgression. This thought alone should give us pause and motivate us to consider the event very carefully.

     Jesus thought there should have been figs on that tree because its leaves were already in bloom. Those familiar with fig trees tell us that when the leaves bloom figs grow. The leaves of this tree were showy enough to suggest that fruit should be among them. Indeed, there was no good reason for why figs should not have been among the leaves. Seeing that it failed to produce the fruit its leaves promised, Jesus judged it unfit for service and destroyed it. Wow!

     Jesus never did anything without a cause and the severity of His reaction to the unfruitful fig tree demands we ask a few questions of ourselves. Am I a Christian who looks the part but fails to produce the fruit that should go hand in hand with my claim? Do I attend the worship assembly decked out in my coat and tie for everyone to see and yet fail to produce fruits of faith, service, and love throughout the week? If so I am all show and no substance. Jesus was loud and clear about His feelings on that!

     Never forget this same Jesus said, “You will recognize them by their fruits…Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16a, 19-20). Dear Christian, not bearing bad fruit or no fruit at all is simply not going to cut it as far as Christ is concerned. He said bear good fruit or be cut down and cast into the fire. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that Christians are created in Christ Jesus for good works and that God prepared those works specifically for Christians to walk in them. Failure to do and walk in them is open rebellion against God.

     Jesus is crystal clear: all show and no fruit equals judgment. I can claim to love Christ until I’m blue in the face, but you’ll truly come to know me by the fruits that I bear. Far from a petty outburst, this miracle is a mighty warning. Heed it!