Israel not the Fig Tree

[aaron777]

Hello all,
We are all familiar with popular interpretation of the meaning of the fig tree in the parable spoken of Matthew, Mark and Luke... we are commonly told that the fig tree putting forth its leaves is indicative of Israel becoming a nation again in 1948 or Jerusalem being captured in 1967. I want to demonstrate that this interpretation is not correct...

There are a lot of inconsistencies in what has been handed down to us as truth about the fig tree... it's time to shake ourselves free of yet another deception.

Jesus gives the simple answer of what the parable is, and it's right under our nose. So let's learn the parable - when trees grow leaves, then summer is near. Likewise, when we begin to see the signs and all the events that Christ described prior to the parable then we
know that His return is at the doors...

Notice the usage of, "all the trees" in Luke - the fig tree is not the only tree. In other words, Jesus is not referring to the fig tree alone, but to ALL trees - the fig tree refers to a plant and not Israel. The usage of "and all the trees" invalidates the possibility of the fig tree referring to Israel.

"And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." - Luke 21:29-33

Notice that "and all the trees" is used here in Luke. As is with all trees, when trees put forth their leaves summer is near.Let's look at another parable about a fig tree in Luke... notice that Israel is referred to
in the scripture as God's vineyard - as is the church; here we have a fig tree planted in the midst of the vineyard... reminds me of how the tree of knowledge of good and evil was in the midst of the garden:

"He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if
not, then after that thou shalt cut it down." - Luke 13:6-9

Obviously here, the fig tree represents something that is danger of being judged because of it's fruitlessness. It seems to be related to corrupt religious authority. This is connected with Christ cursing the fig tree in Matthew and Mark...

"Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away." - Matthew 21:18-19

"And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." - Matthew
21:20-22

It's interesting that Christ would mention casting a mountain in the sea alongside the cursing of the fig tree.

"And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his
disciples heard it." - Mark 11:12-14

Once again, Jesus curses the fig tree for having nothing but leaves on it; right after this curse in Mark, here's what we find Jesus doing...

"And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine." - Mark 11:15-18

Let's look at this - Jesus cast out those who bought and sold in the temple; the moneychangers. He offended the scribes and the chief priests. The fig tree that Christ cursed had to do with the corrupt religious authority and its influence in Jerusalem. Today seems like a repeat of the past, only global... Right after this we read -

"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be
thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." - Mark 11:20-23

2 Chapters later we read the parable in Mark...

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." - Mark 13:28-31

I definately feel as though the classical pop prophetic interpretation of the fig tree is wrong and even destructive. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

God bless,
aaron

 

[Jon0388g]

Hello all,
We are all familiar with popular interpretation of the meaning of the fig tree in the parable spoken of Matthew, Mark and Luke... we are commonly told that the fig tree putting forth its leaves is indicative of Israel becoming a nation again in 1948 or Jerusalem being captured in 1967. I want to demonstrate that this interpretation is not correct...

There are a lot of inconsistencies in what has been handed down to us as truth about the fig tree... it's time to shake ourselves free of yet another deception.

Jesus gives the simple answer of what the parable is, and it's right under our nose. So let's learn the parable - when trees grow leaves, then summer is near. Likewise, when we begin to see the signs and all the events that Christ described prior to the parable then we
know that His return is at the doors...

Notice the usage of, "all the trees" in Luke - the fig tree is not the only tree. In other words, Jesus is not referring to the fig tree alone, but to ALL trees - the fig tree refers to a plant and not Israel. The usage of "and all the trees" invalidates the possibility of the fig tree referring to Israel.

"And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." - Luke 21:29-33

Notice that "and all the trees" is used here in Luke. As is with all trees, when trees put forth their leaves summer is near.Let's look at another parable about a fig tree in Luke... notice that Israel is referred to
in the scripture as God's vineyard - as is the church; here we have a fig tree planted in the midst of the vineyard... reminds me of how the tree of knowledge of good and evil was in the midst of the garden:

"He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if
not, then after that thou shalt cut it down." - Luke 13:6-9

Obviously here, the fig tree represents something that is danger of being judged because of it's fruitlessness. It seems to be related to corrupt religious authority. This is connected with Christ cursing the fig tree in Matthew and Mark...

"Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away." - Matthew 21:18-19

"And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away! Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." - Matthew
21:20-22

It's interesting that Christ would mention casting a mountain in the sea alongside the cursing of the fig tree.

"And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his
disciples heard it." - Mark 11:12-14

Once again, Jesus curses the fig tree for having nothing but leaves on it; right after this curse in Mark, here's what we find Jesus doing...

"And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine." - Mark 11:15-18

Let's look at this - Jesus cast out those who bought and sold in the temple; the moneychangers. He offended the scribes and the chief priests. The fig tree that Christ cursed had to do with the corrupt religious authority and its influence in Jerusalem. Today seems like a repeat of the past, only global... Right after this we read -

"And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be
thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith." - Mark 11:20-23

2 Chapters later we read the parable in Mark...

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away." - Mark 13:28-31

I definately feel as though the classical pop prophetic interpretation of the fig tree is wrong and even destructive. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

God bless,
aaron

Hi Aaron,


I agree with you to an extent about people misinterpreting the parables of Israel in relation to anything in 1948 or 1967, you're spot on with this.


However I would still think the parable in Matthew 21 is indeed primarily referring to the Jewish nation at that time, and secondarily to all humankind throughout the ages. Here's why:

"And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away." Matthew 21:19

As is often the case we get extra bits of info from the other accounts of Christ's parables. The parable as recorded in Mark is as follows:

"And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not [yet]". Mark 11:13


The bolded section is important here. Did you know, that fig trees are known for sprouting their fruit before their leaves? When Christ approached Jerusalem, we read He saw this particular fig tree from 'afar off'. This was because it was in full leaf - even though 'the time of figs was not yet'. Every other fig tree was barren and leafless.


Since fig trees put forth their fruit before their leaves, this tree should definately have produced fruit, if it already had leaves on its branches! I think this is highly symbolic. The tree itself made nothing but pretention - its outward appearance was that of health and vigor, but upon closer inspection it was fruitless. Since Jesus we read was 'hungry' - and fully expected to find fruit on the tree - it was found to be worthless and was rightly cursed.


I believe this represented the spiritual condition of the Jewish nation. Outwardly they professed Godliness but their actions and inward state bore not the fruit thereof. They had the leaves all over, but the figs were missing. Didn't Christ call the Pharisees 'whited sepulchres'?

It also represents a dire warning to all professed followers of God throughout the ages in that we must all 'examine ourselves' to ensure we are not like that pretentious fig tree! I for myself slip into the wrong state of mind that if I go to church and read a few pages of the Bible now and then, I'll make it to the kingdom. That is not what the Lord wants. He hungers for the true fruit of righteousness. If we have the leaves we must certainly bear the fruit beforehand.


Notice the curse pronounced on this fig tree was simply an 'As you were' statement. Christ makes no change to the state of the tree - He leaves it as it was. It had no fruit - so it will never bear fruit. We see this same judgment echoed in the last days:


"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Revelation 22:11


Every other fig tree must've represented the state of the Gentiles. They made no outward profession to serve the living God. They were barren and hopeless, waiting for the 'season' of the figs - the light from the Sun of Righteousness. Christ expected no fruit from those trees, since they did not have the audacity to sprout leaves without any fruit.


"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7




Jon

 

[dan p]

Hi, JonO388g. I say that you are wrong, and here is why.

In Isa 5 :7 the vineyard is Israel

2) In the gospels they are pictured as a fig Tree

3) In Rom 11:21 they are pictured as branches

In Luke 13:6-9 I believe that your anylasis is wrong here.

4) In v6 the Father planted a fig tree in His VINEYARD AND DID NOT FIND ANY FRUIT

5) Then He says to the dresser ( that is Christ )


6) He speaks to Christ , the dresser of his VINEYARD, 3 YRS I have been seeking fruit on this fig tree, which I believe IS the leadership of Israel

7) In v7 the Father says , cut it down, 3 yrs and NO fruit

8) Christ says , it has been 3 yrs , but let it alone this year, till I ( Christ ) dig around and dung it, this will make 4 yrs.

9) v9, if it bear fruit well , and if not , thou shalt cut it DOWN.


10) Christ ministry was 3 1/2 years and cut short.

11)The significance is that Israel was going to be set aside Nationally and sentence was carried out at Acts 28:28, with the destruction of the temple and Israel. All parables that are in the gospels are for Israel ONLY. And Israel has been set aside for over 1900 years.

 

[Benoni]

"In God's holy word the house of Judah is likened unto a fig tree. See Jer. 24:1-8 where they are likened unto a basket of EVIL FIGS when they were first carried away into Babylon. The Jews understood this symbol in their day as clearly as though the Lord had called them by name. The account of the cursing of the fig tree (Mat. 21:19) is vivid in the mind of every student of scripture. The story records that Jesus, being hungry and ready to eat, saw a fig tree afar off having leaves upon it, but, upon coming to the tree, He found to His surprise that there was no fruit upon it. Though the time of figs was not yet, this strange instance is explained by the simple fact that, unlike other trees, it is the nature of the fig tree to bear her fruit first and the leaves afterward. Therefore, since there were leaves, the Lord was right to expect fruit also. What a picture this is of the house of Judah! Plenty of leaves! All manner of outward show! But no fruit. The children of Abraham on the outside, but the children of the devil within! So Jesus pronounced a curse upon the fig tree, which is symbolic of the house of Judah, commonly known as the Jews, saying, 'May no fruit grow on you to the age' (Mat. 21:19, Diaglott). And when they returned and saw the tree the next day, it was dried up. In cursing the fig tree, He was symbolically cursing the house of Judah to the age, that is to say, unto the kingdom age. It is not correct to use the word forever here as in the common version, for Judah will be restored in the kingdom. True to God's word the entire age of grace has come and gone, but nationally the Jews are as blind and fruitless as they were in that very day when the Lord pronounced the curse upon them. They rejected God's Christ and God has rejected them for this entire age of grace. As a result they have wandered homeless throughout the whole earth as foretold by Jeremiah (Jer. 24:9-10). Only now are they being gathered in darkness, blindness and unbelief according to the word of the Lord, for He can never break His covenant with them. Even the apostle Paul, who upon several occasions, clearly stated that he was a Jew, for the tribe of Benjamin belonged to the house of Judah, made the significant statement that he was as one 'born out of due time' (I Cor. 15:8). In other words it was not yet time for Judah to be reborn nationally, but because the Lord elected him to salvation, his eyes had been opened by Christ in spite of the curse that had been pronounced on the nation as a whole.

 

[Jon0388g]

Hi, JonO388g. I say that you are wrong, and here is why.

In Isa 5 :7 the vineyard is Israel

2) In the gospels they are pictured as a fig Tree

3) In Rom 11:21 they are pictured as branches

In Luke 13:6-9 I believe that your anylasis is wrong here.

4) In v6 the Father planted a fig tree in His VINEYARD AND DID NOT FIND ANY FRUIT

5) Then He says to the dresser ( that is Christ )


6) He speaks to Christ , the dresser of his VINEYARD, 3 YRS I have been seeking fruit on this fig tree, which I believe IS the leadership of Israel

7) In v7 the Father says , cut it down, 3 yrs and NO fruit

8) Christ says , it has been 3 yrs , but let it alone this year, till I ( Christ ) dig around and dung it, this will make 4 yrs.

9) v9, if it bear fruit well , and if not , thou shalt cut it DOWN.


10) Christ ministry was 3 1/2 years and cut short.

11)The significance is that Israel was going to be set aside Nationally and sentence was carried out at Acts 28:28, with the destruction of the temple and Israel. All parables that are in the gospels are for Israel ONLY. And Israel has been set aside for over 1900 years.

Hi dan p! Thanks for your response!


It's strange because I agree with just about everything you've written in your post! So, my question to you is, where specifically did you disagree with me?


There are only two areas I spotted where we may differ. The first is your statement that "all parables that are in the gospels are for Israel ONLY." I would say yes - to an extent - but do you doubt the application of Christ's parables to believers throughout all time? For example, the parable of the reapers and the harvest has obvious end-time applications; and Christ Himself interpreted it thus. Could you say that applies to Israel only?



The second area we may differ is in linking the parable of Luke 13 to that of Mark 11. There are definite similarities - both obviously refer to the fruitless state of Israel and the Jews. But, who are the leafless trees in the second parable? Why did they not receive a curse too? The explanation is because they are the gentile nations, who did not pretend to be righteous as Israel did. They were not cursed by Christ - in fact, the gospel was soon to be preached to "all nations, kindreds, and tongues".




Jon

 

[dan p]

Hi Jon0399g. I was really commentintg on the opening post. You have a good position. The fig tree is represents the condition of ISRAEL and spiritual condition and were going about to establish their own righteousness. I missed the leafless fig tree and will repond when I find the verse

Do you mean Luke 10:2 when you speak that the harvest truly is great ? That is taking about Israel. Yes. But I don't see any Gentiles here . Please give me a verse so I can see and comment The gospels were wtitten to Israel only. Sorry that I took so long to reply.

 

[dan p]

Hi Jon0388g. When you say end view application ,I believe I know what you will say, but I don't want to anticipate your answer, so give me your version ?

 

[Jon0388g]

Hi Jon0399g. I was really commentintg on the opening post. You have a good position. The fig tree is represents the condition of ISRAEL and spiritual condition and were going about to establish their own righteousness. I missed the leafless fig tree and will repond when I find the verse

Yep, we definitely agree here.

Do you mean Luke 10:2 when you speak that the harvest truly is great ? That is taking about Israel. Yes. But I don't see any Gentiles here . Please give me a verse so I can see and comment The gospels were wtitten to Israel only. Sorry that I took so long to reply.

I'm not sure what you mean here, could you quote the section of my post you want clarified?



Jon

 

[Jon0388g]

Hi Jon0388g. When you say end view application ,I believe I know what you will say, but I don't want to anticipate your answer, so give me your version ?

When I say the parable has an end-time application, I mean that it is specifically related to events around/at the Second Coming - i.e., the angels reaping the earth, the wheat and tares, etc.




Jon