The Fig Tree

by REID, A. | Category: N/a | Nov 2002

Scripture employs a number of horticultural images to represent the nation of Israel; the vine, the olive and the fig tree. Hosea 9:10 says, '"When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your fathers, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree."' God uses the simile of the fig tree and its fruit to express His delight at securing a people for Himself.

Great privileges were bestowed upon Israel at Sinai (Ex. 19:5,6). God's ancient people were given every spiritual advantage (Rom.3:1;9:3-5). God had a purpose in so blessing Israel. We are familiar from our New Testament with the concept of 'a holy priesthood ... a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God' (1 Pet.2:5,9). We interpret these ideas as the holy priesthood being our spiritual service Godward and the royal priesthood as our responsibility in witness to humankind. These are functions God intended His people to fulfil in the previous dispensation. Israel were to serve God as a separated, holy, worshipping people. They were also intended to be a witness for God to the nations round about.

This ideal found fullest expression during the reigns of David and Solomon. This was the time when the temple was built at Jerusalem and the witness of Israel as the people of God was widely effective. The words of the Queen of Sheba to Solomon sum it up very well, '"The report I heard in my own country about your achievements and your wisdom is true ... Praise be to the LORD your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on his throne as king to rule for the LORD your God. Because of the love of your God for Israel and his desire to uphold them for ever ..."'(2 Chr.9:5-8).

God had every right to look for fruit in the accomplishment of His purposes from His privileged people Israel, but they were a disappointing failure in this regard. This is the picture drawn for us by the Lord Jesus in the parable of the fig tree in Luke 13:6-9. In the parable, the man who planted the fig tree comes looking for fruit from the tree, but finds none. The tree had been given three years in which to produce its fruit; an ample period in which to do so. The tree is given a further period in which to produce fruit, granted at the request of the man who tended the vineyard: a period during which every effort is made to encourage the tree to fruit.

This may be seen as depicting in the period of three years Israel's earlier failure to fulfil God's purpose; and in the final period the appearing and ministry of the Lord Jesus during which no effort is spared to make Israel fruitful. When the Saviour of the world appeared for the first time, His ministry was exclusively directed towards Israel. '"I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel,"' He said (Matthew 15:24 see also Romans 15:8). Alas, the nation of Israel did not respond to the ministry of their Messiah, but committed the most dreadful error in their history by rejecting and crucifying Him.

This brings us to the next fig tree parable of the Lord's ministry. The cursing of the fig tree in Mark 11:12-21 is an acted parable. The incident is set in the final week prior to Calvary and is indicative of the judgement that would fall upon Israel as a consequence of their rejection of Christ. The fact that Mark, unlike Matthew, divides the incident by inserting the cleansing of the temple, may reinforce the idea of judgement.

The fig tree that Mark describes is one that makes a good show by an unusually early display of leaves, but the immature fruit which normally precedes the leaves was missing. The Lord approaches the tree to find no fruit and as a consequence curses the tree, which withers from its roots. The tree represents Israel making a vain show of following God's will, but being found wanting. The curse and withering speak of the consequent judgement. The Lord acted out this parable a few days prior to His death that He might leave a powerful symbol of the coming fate of Israel.

The destruction of the city of Jerusalem and its temple by the Romans in AD 70 saw a terrible slaughter inflicted on the Jewish people. This was the beginning of centuries of persecution that found its most horrible expression in the extermination of millions of Jews during the Second World War.

A short time after the incident of the withered tree, the Lord takes up the image of the fig tree once more. This time the fig tree symbol is placed in the context of His discourse about His second coming. It is clear that Christ anticipated a revival and renewal of the Israel nation prior to His return in glory: '"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it ('he' NIV margin) is near, right at the door"' (Mat. 24:32,33).

The most significant event in recent history has been the establishing of the State of Israel in 1948. There could be no more powerful demonstration of the revival of Israel than that this people, stateless for almost two millennia, are back in their ancient land.

In recent times Israel has once more been thrust to the forefront of world events. Israel's continued existence is a vexation to her enemies and a dilemma for her allies. The fig tree is once more putting forth its twigs and leaves.

In the light of the history of the Jewish people and scriptural commentary upon it, there are at least two conclusions we can draw. First, that the God of the Bible exists and is actively shaping human history. The second is that the return of Christ in glory is near at hand.

Scriptural quotations are from the NIV.

REID, A. | Nov 2002
N/a