A Series on the parables of Jesus – Part 2
Parable of the fig tree
(Click
on the link below to read the verses.)
Mark 11:12-25
[During the
first century, it was common for a rabbi to use parables when teaching their
disciples. The parables of Jesus were stories that he told to illustrate
spiritual truth using some element from everyday life. Jesus used seeds, fish,
trees, bread - things people could easily relate to – for a “teachable
moment”.]
Do you like Oreo cookies? They’re the best! And there’s several ways to enjoy them. You can just pop one in your mouth. Or you can dip one in a glass of milk. Or you can take the Oreo apart, eat the inside cream filling and then the outside cookie. Kids don’t seem to care which method they use, as long as it involves an Oreo.
Like an Oreo cookie, the parable of the fig tree has two sides with a
story in the middle. At the time of the parable, there were lots of exciting
things happening. With Passover just a few days away, Jerusalem was jammed with
pilgrims. On Sunday, with great anticipation of a Messiah, Jesus made his triumphant
entry.
The next morning, as he and the disciples are returning to the city, Jesus
is hungry. Seeing a fig tree, he goes over, only to find that there aren’t any
figs. Jesus says to the tree, “May no one
ever eat fruit from you again.” He seems kind of cranky. Like he got
up on the wrong side of the bed. But he gets worse.
When they arrive in the temple, because of Passover, it is full of people
buying and selling and exchanging money. Imagine being one of the disciples.
Everything is normal when all of sudden, Jesus, your trusted rabbi who you’ve
followed for the last three years, goes off!
He flips tables scattering money, birds and animals. Then he starts teaching,
and quotes two Old Testament verses which are pointedly aimed at the chief
priests. He is judging them for betraying their faith. Humiliated by Jesus’
public criticism, the chief priests immediately begin planning how to kill him.
The next day, as Jesus and the disciples are going back into Jerusalem,
they pass the same fig tree. This time though, it is completely dead. Even the
roots are dead.
Everything described above… cursing the fig tree, clearing the temple and
the teaching… was judgement of the chief priests. In light of this, do you
think the disciples might have wondered, “If the righteous and powerful chief
priests are judged unworthy, what chance do we have”?
But Jesus wasn’t done with the parable. It wasn’t just about judgement.
22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly I
tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’
and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen,
it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you,
whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will
be yours. NIV
Have you ever seen a mountain throw itself into the sea? This is hyperbole;
an exaggeration to make a point. And the point is, that nothing is impossible for
the person who trusts God.
Jesus is telling his disciples that “faith and prayer” can overcome anything.
In the face of judgement, they bring hope. In the shadow of a mountain, they
bring courage. In the fear of the future, they bring strength.
Jesus is telling us… this same message.
***
Anyone
with ears to hear should listen and understand.
Mark 4:23 NLT
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