My personal take on the biblical significance of Jesus cursing the fig tree. Please follow to the facebook link below.



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Thank you for sharing

the fact jesus cursed fig tree just means he has interest in it. it's all good :)

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!!!

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.

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.

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.

@ 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.

Also considered the tree of androgyny :)

If I go out to my garden to find out that a bird ate my figs, I might curse the bird too.

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=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


[/QUOTE]

Lol...and squirrels.

[QUOTE=Sas] If I go out to my garden to find out that a bird ate my figs, I might curse the bird too.[/QUOTE]

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.

[QUOTE=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.[/QUOTE]
Aren't Jesus and God supposed to love everyone?

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=Smungung]
Aren't Jesus and God supposed to love everyone?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=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. [/QUOTE] 
With respect I disagree with your statement of free will.

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?

This sounds right also!

[QUOTE=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.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=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?[/QUOTE]

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.

I'm just glad I got my bible study in, who would of thought here on f4f. Lol

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

wait.. no one told jesus how to pinch? 

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=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.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=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.

[/QUOTE]

I'll try and find the book but a god or an intelligent creator is logically impossible.

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. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaW4Q8l-5B0&sns=em


[QUOTE=Smungung]

I'll try and find the book but a god or an intelligent creator is logically impossible.[/QUOTE]

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

[QUOTE=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[/QUOTE]

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.

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

[QUOTE=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[/QUOTE]

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.

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

[QUOTE=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[/QUOTE]

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.

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

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  

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.

[QUOTE=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.

[/QUOTE]

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.