Jesus cursing the fig tree. Warning: Religious Content ;)

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NoelG_123

Registered:1406247827
Posts: 180

Posted 1476426854 · Edited	Reply with quote #1

My personal take on the biblical significance of Jesus cursing the fig tree. Please follow to the facebook link below. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10205439881955094&id=1791583342 __________________ "A fig by any other name, is a Newton."

wbni59

Registered:1461381273
Posts: 23

Posted 1476442694	Reply with quote #2

Thank you for sharing

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1476446501	Reply with quote #3

the fact jesus cursed fig tree just means he has interest in it. it's all good :) __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476505112 · Edited	Reply with quote #4

Noel, very interesting. Thank you for interpreting this for us. I have often wondered why Jesus cursed the fig tree. But its not really about the fig tree is it? Nope. Jesus often spoke in parables. Many could not understand their significance because they were not "open" to His teaching. One could say that their ears could hear but their hearts were closed. When one is open to hearing the gospel, the word of God, it comes alive and reveals many wonderful things. This is something Jesus mentions in Mathew 13:10-17 when He explains to the desciples why He speaks in parables. He explains that for those who HEAR the word of God "much will be given." Hey, Noel, thanks for posting this tonight!!! __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Sas

Registered:1350079929
Posts: 1,364

Posted 1476507276	Reply with quote #5

The fig tree is mentioned more than once in the Bible most likely due to its importance in the old world as a source of food. Its a tree that had a significant impact on people's daily life along with many other trees such as olive and still does today in many parts of the Mediterranean. Jesus did not curse the fig tree in general, he cursed a specific fig tree that bore no fruit at the time when he needed it the most. I don't believe it had anything to do with anything on that particular occasion. People are free to interpret and give a sentence more meaning than it deserves, but I like to keep things simple. For me this was a scene from Jesus's life no more no less. When he spoke on other occasion, such as I'm the vine and you are the branches etc.. that's a totally different situation. __________________ Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B Wish list: Becane

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 472

Posted 1476551253 · Edited	Reply with quote #6

So, if something does not go your way, you just curse it to die? Jesus did. The tree died. If he created all things, why would he not just put fruit on the tree he needs to eat from? I am a born again christian, but many things are very confusing. This is one of them. I'm glad Jesus does not have such a temper with us! Doug My take on it is that Jesus had to display his power to his disciples to show he was not from this earth, as we are. Without power, he would just be another one of us. __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8 Off and on member since 10/1/2012

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1476551463	Reply with quote #7

Not sure about this but I'm not religious. My trees aren't cursed to die so it's all good for me! It's a long-standing belief that those who can bless can also curse. __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

NoelG_123

Registered:1406247827
Posts: 180

Posted 1476558137 · Edited	Reply with quote #8

@ Doug. Alot of things biblically speaking seem confusing until we ask the harder and sometimes more introspective questions. This is not a bible website so I want to be sensitive and tread lightly. Something we might choose to consider however is that Jesus never cursed a person. As a matter of fact, this is 'the only' instance in the New Testament "that I know of" that Jesus cursed anything, in this case a tree. And so it bears special inquiry. It always helps to put the When? Where?, How, and Whys? to biblical accounts, (just as a good newspaper story covers all the bases). Just a quick note to give a personal perspective- notice that the fig tree didn't die and dry up immediately, there was an intermission after Jesus cursed the tree, and then only later to come back a day later to make reference to the account. There are only a few specific New Testament accounts/stories that detail (the time in-between certain accounts), so we know it was not just a common occurrence, so we pay particular attention to the time in between to help fill in gaps, add clarity or to glean what are often intended subtleties. As humans, we are always searching for clarity (the why's), and as fig growers/ enthusiasts we generally don't appreciate simple answers when it comes to potting formula's, heat, watering etc. etc. as much as 'the why's- the intimate details' the reasons for a thing, especially in regards to a focus of our passion. Thank you Doug- I appreciate yours and every other comment on this strange and interesting account. __________________ "A fig by any other name, is a Newton."

DevIsgro

Registered:1420826837
Posts: 637

Posted 1476588597	Reply with quote #9

Also considered the tree of androgyny :) __________________ Currently growing 50-60 varieties, this season's cuttings dependant. Hopefully I'll get to taste a few more this year...

Sas

Registered:1350079929
Posts: 1,364

Posted 1476618284	Reply with quote #10

If I go out to my garden to find out that a bird ate my figs, I might curse the bird too. __________________ Sas from North Austin TX Zone 8B Wish list: Becane

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476627542	Reply with quote #11

Hi, Doug: I can understand why this would feel confusing. I have to keep asking questions in order to understand the whys of many things. But I believe that Noels explanation is a very good one. Im sure there are others too. Jesus could have done many things when He was here on earth but everything he did & didnt do had a purpose. Sometimes the sole purpose for something is to bring us closer to Him; to have our attention back on Him again. Quote: Originally Posted by SCfigFanatic So, if something does not go your way, you just curse it to die? Jesus did. The tree died. If he created all things, why would he not just put fruit on the tree he needs to eat from? I am a born again christian, but many things are very confusing. This is one of them. I'm glad Jesus does not have such a temper with us! Doug __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476627628	Reply with quote #12

Lol...and squirrels. Quote: Originally Posted by Sas If I go out to my garden to find out that a bird ate my figs, I might curse the bird too. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

indestructible87

Registered:1368407095
Posts: 548

Posted 1476630970	Reply with quote #13

I believe its a warning to his followers that if you do not bear fruits of the spirit you are as good as dead to Him. __________________ Travis Pittsburgh, PA

Smungung

Registered:1441129607
Posts: 440

Posted 1476654033	Reply with quote #14

Quote: Originally Posted by indestructible87 I believe its a warning to his followers that if you do not bear fruits of the spirit you are as good as dead to Him. Aren't Jesus and God supposed to love everyone? __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476680152	Reply with quote #15

Yes and just as a father loves his child, God gives us warnings but allows us free will. It is up to us to obey & make wise choices. Quote: Originally Posted by Smungung Aren't Jesus and God supposed to love everyone? __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smungung

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Posts: 440

Posted 1476739330	Reply with quote #16

Quote: Originally Posted by Smyfigs Yes and just as a father loves his child, God gives us warnings but allows us free will. It is up to us to obey & make wise choices. With respect I disagree with your statement of free will. __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476748609 · Edited	Reply with quote #17

No worries, everyone has an opinion. And, thanks for being so respectful. Im glad that you are here too! So much to understand, right? Do you read a lot? __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476748730	Reply with quote #18

This sounds right also! Quote: Originally Posted by indestructible87 I believe its a warning to his followers that if you do not bear fruits of the spirit you are as good as dead to Him. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smungung

Registered:1441129607
Posts: 440

Posted 1476749353	Reply with quote #19

Quote: Originally Posted by Smyfigs No worries, everyone has an opinion. And, thanks for being so respectful. Im glad that you are here too! So much to understand, right? Do you read a lot? I read what I can in my free time to try my best at being a well cultured person. If you were referring to reading the bible I was in Catholic school in my elementary years and I try and learn a bit about every religion. I am also atheist just incase anyone wants to debate me I'm fine with it. __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

AZFig

Registered:1423333537
Posts: 37

Posted 1476758606	Reply with quote #20

I'm just glad I got my bible study in, who would of thought here on f4f. Lol __________________ JUSTIN Zone 8a Wishlist-Genovese Nero

oldguy128

Registered:1443366786
Posts: 31

Posted 1476766542	Reply with quote #21

I cursed the doctor who made me into a shoulder cripple, last time I saw him he fell and broke both his leg muscles

bullet08

Registered:1284496248
Posts: 6,920

Posted 1476792407	Reply with quote #22

wait.. no one told jesus how to pinch? __________________ Pete Durham, NC Zone 7b "don't talk to me about naval tradition. It's nothing but rum, sodomy and the lash." - sir winston churchill "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money." - the baroness thatcher *** all my figs have FMV/FMD, in case you're wondering. * * and... i don't sell things. what little i have will be posted here in winter for first come first serve base to be shared. no, i'm not a socialist...***

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476852272 · Edited	Reply with quote #23

Oh interesting. I went to Catholic school too. I grew up going to Catholic church until my early 20's. I was referring to reading in general but also the bible. Its great that you like to read. And you're right, reading really helps one become well cultured. Good for you! You may like reading a book by author Lee Strobel titled "A Case for Christ." He has written many books but he is best known for this one, which by the way is being made into a movie and should be in theatres around February 2017. His book has many great points and also delves into his life as an atheist. Let me know what you think about it. Quote: Originally Posted by Smungung I read what I can in my free time to try my best at being a well cultured person. If you were referring to reading the bible I was in Catholic school in my elementary years and I try and learn a bit about every religion. I am also atheist just incase anyone wants to debate me I'm fine with it. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

Smungung

Registered:1441129607
Posts: 440

Posted 1476874547	Reply with quote #24

Quote: Originally Posted by Smyfigs Oh interesting. I went to Catholic school too. I grew up going to Catholic church until my early 20's. I was referring to reading in general but also the bible. Its great that you like to read. And you're right, reading really helps one become well cultured. Good for you! You may like reading a book by author Lee Strobel titled "A Case for Christ." He has written many books but he is best known for this one, which by the way is being made into a movie and should be in theatres around February 2017. His book has many great points and also delves into his life as an atheist. Let me know what you think about it. I'll try and find the book but a god or an intelligent creator is logically impossible. __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

Smyfigs

Registered:1443660141
Posts: 1,658

Posted 1476884588 · Edited	Reply with quote #25

Thats what this book is about. Thriftbooks is a great place to find like-new books for a great price. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-case-for-christ-by-lee-strobel/252672/#isbn=0310209307 http://www.faithgateway.com/case-for-christ-video-study-lee-strobel/#.WAeUcXNHaJI Lee Strobel has a new version that has much more about his findings including pictures. Also, heres an old trailer but as I mentioned, there will be a new movie coming. Quote: Originally Posted by Smungung I'll try and find the book but a god or an intelligent creator is logically impossible. __________________ Meg-Hardiness Zone 10a Looking for... Socorro Blk Wuhan Jolly Tiger Lamperia Preta Herschtetten St. Jean Black Ischia "The best way to show my gratitude is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy." ~ Mother Teresa "Do not pass by a man in need for you may be the hand of God to him." ~Proverbs 3:27~ "He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." ~Job 5:4

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 472

Posted 1476894683	Reply with quote #26

My take on it is that Jesus had to display his power to his disciples to show he was not from this earth, as we are. Without power, he would just be another one of us. Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8 Off and on member since 10/1/2012

Smungung

Registered:1441129607
Posts: 440

Posted 1476905530	Reply with quote #27

Quote: Originally Posted by SCfigFanatic My take on it is that Jesus had to display his power to his disciples to show he was not from this earth, as we are. Without power, he would just be another one of us. Doug Why does God not just come to earth and show that he exists and prove his existence instead of "working in mysterious ways" and sending his son. __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

SCfigFanatic

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Posts: 472

Posted 1476905685 · Edited	Reply with quote #28

He already did, did he not? By sending his son? Is not the bible what Christians read? We have to read and have faith it is all true. God has come to earth to bless me and my family. He shows it in his answers. Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8 Off and on member since 10/1/2012

Smungung

Registered:1441129607
Posts: 440

Posted 1476909551	Reply with quote #29

Quote: Originally Posted by SCfigFanatic He already did, did he not? By sending his son? Is not the bible what Christians read? We have to read and have faith it is all true. God has come to earth to bless me and my family. He shows it in his answers. Doug No he sent his son I'm pretty sure if you set up a meeting with someone and they sent their son you would think badly of the person. There are things that are absolutely preposterous in the bible examples would be Noah ark and Abraham sacrificing his son there's things that do not match up. The bible is a book, one of millions of others what separates this from the other religious books that exists. __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 472

Posted 1476910727	Reply with quote #30

How many books have lasted as long as the Bible? God is my higher power. I do not think all religions are the same, or wrong. I select on my own who I worship. I'm also a bit rough on the edges and not a good representation. But, it will not keep me out of Heaven. Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8 Off and on member since 10/1/2012

Smungung

Registered:1441129607
Posts: 440

Posted 1476915030 · Edited	Reply with quote #31

Quote: Originally Posted by SCfigFanatic How many books have lasted as long as the Bible? God is my higher power. I do not think all religions are the same, or wrong. I select on my own who I worship. I'm also a bit rough on the edges and not a good representation. But, it will not keep me out of Heaven. Doug It has lasted the longest because it's backed by the super powers of the old world the ones who forcefully imposed it onto other people and waged war to destroy other religions. The bible being the oldest books means it's the most outdated the book itself supports slavery and the buying of women who have been "forced" to say the least. (don't want to use certain words on a public post) The Torah is actually older than the bible and is still relevant today to the Jewish religion and it has withstood the test of time better in a sense where they have had far worse things done to them (the Old Testament in the bible talks about Jewish slaves in Egypt,there was world war 2, and the current situation in the Middle East). Also again I'm not here to bash on anyone. __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

SCfigFanatic

Registered:1450004954
Posts: 472

Posted 1476916194	Reply with quote #32

In the Bible there is what is called the old testaments, that was the world before God sent his son to earth to spread the love. The new testaments are teachings of when Jesus was walking on earth. Christians try to live their life as taught in the new testaments. I'm done on this subject. Everyone has their own choice. Doug __________________ South Carolina zone 7b-8 Off and on member since 10/1/2012

NoelG_123

Registered:1406247827
Posts: 180

Posted 1476924413	Reply with quote #33

Thanks everyone for your thoughts. I think general comments are great, but debate is I think is better done in PM or personal email. Blessings. Noel __________________ "A fig by any other name, is a Newton."

jdsfrance

Registered:1376988473
Posts: 2,591

Posted 1476953961	Reply with quote #34

Hi Smungung, Your old world greats you. Do you think that a Chinese or an African (...) will refer to "the old world" ... speaking of the same continent ? References depend on people, and books being written by people depend on their authors ... Not forgetting that old books didn't even exist as such and those stories were told from people to people (rich and educated people) so we even rely on the memory of those who existed before us. Everyone has their own choice ... and history is history . But everyone has his own version, that's it ! (and that's a shame) . You should try to read about other civilizations. Try to read on how Mayas, old Egyptian, ancient Greeks, Australian Bushmen (...) tried to answer the question: "Why the hell are we here, on earth?" ( figtrees don't grow well on Mars or Pluton, I guess, so not a bad choice ) Funny, that at some point human-Beings all get back to that question ... And how they try to answer it ... But lets get back to figs; there are lots of philosophers in this world already... They don't have the Solution or the Answer either. __________________ ------------------------ Climate from -25°C to + 35°C Only cold hardy figtrees can make it here

Smungung

Registered:1441129607
Posts: 440

Posted 1477006809	Reply with quote #35

Quote: Originally Posted by jdsfrance Not forgetting that old books didn't even exist as such and those stories were told from people to people (rich and educated people) so we even rely on the memory of those who existed before us. Just saying I do study other world civilizations and religion most definitely helped the rich get more money and rule over people of lower social classes. The people who enforced the bible. the priests, kings, and queens definitely weren't the smartest. __________________ Matthew Mei Age:15 Zone 6A Secaucus, New Jersey Aquarist any questions pertaining to fish shoot me a message always willing to help! :) Gardener Fisherman

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