In Matthew 21 we are told that Jesus came upon a fig tree while hungry, only to see that it contained no figs, only leaves. In response, Jesus said to the tree, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again” (19), leading the tree to wither away completely.
The disciples were amazed, and wondered how it happened. Well, Jesus did not directly answer them, but it is obvious. As the Creator of the universe, Jesus certainly had power over every aspect of it. The fig tree withered because He willed it. Not in vengeance toward the unfruitful tree, but to teach His disciples a lesson.
Here is the lesson:
“Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.” (Matthew 21:21-22).
The indications of the tree were that at least some fruit would be present. The lack of fruit served as a parallel to Israel’s failure as a nation. The lack of faith present at Jesus’ coming was demonstrated time and again. In fact, it was around this time (Mark places it just before the cleansing of the temple) that the event occurred. It is not surprising that the “anger” of Jesus over the tree would mirror and be used to illustrate his anger over the city of Jerusalem, and its failure to bear fruit. To show the parallel between the end of the tree, and the coming judgment of Israel, consider the following passage: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! ‘See! Your house is left to you desolate” (23:37-38).
Jesus’ lesson was on the power of faith. The greatness of that power can be seen in the declaration that they could remove “this mountain.” It is probable this is a reference to the Mount of Olives, and it’s presence being gone from the landscape of Jerusalem would certainly be notable.
The key was faith—belief. While this passage was intended to show the great power of prayer, other passages supply some caveats. These do not lessen the power, but do circumscribe the circumstances of that power. For example, the prayer offered must emanate from someone righteous,(cf. James 5:16). The prayer must also accord with the will of God, as God will not answer a prayer positively that violates His will! (1 John 5:14).
Pray! It is one of your most powerful tools as a child of God in your fight against Satan! ( Ephesians 6:18).
