Plants of the Time of Jesus: the Fig Tree
According to the New Testament writers, Jesus made extensive use of the fig tree in his parables and teachings, so we must assume that the tree was common in first century Palestine.
In this post, we feature three instances the fig tree is mentioned in the gospels.
Parable of the Budding Fig Tree
“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 these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”
Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Vine Dresser and the Fig Tree, 1886-1894. Brooklyn Museum, New York.
“A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, ‘For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
“‘Sir,’ the man replied, ‘leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilize it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.’”
Jesus Curses a Fig Tree
James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Accursed Fig Tree, 1886-1894. Brooklyn Museum, New York.
“Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.””
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