Issue 727 – The Fig Tree – April 27, 2022
The fig tree appears throughout Scripture. The words fig, figs and fig tree appear no less than 71 times in the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The first mention is in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve clothe themselves with fig leaves (see Genesis 3:7). The last mention is a metaphor where the stars fall out of the heavens like figs from a tree (see Revelation 6:13).
It is not surprising that the fig plays such a significant role in Scripture. It is a common tree throughout the Middle East (and beyond). Its two crops of fruit each year provide a stable food source.
An account recorded in Matthew about Jesus and a fig tree often leaves people wondering.
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. Matthew 21:18-19
People wonder why this story is included in the Scriptures. There are a variety of reasons, including the clear symbolism of the fruitless fig and judgement representing the fruitless nation of Israel and the coming destruction of the city of Jerusalem.
It is also an extraordinary and often overlooked declaration of Jesus being both fully human and fully divine.
As a hungry man, Jesus walked up to a fig tree looking for something to eat. Had Jesus not been fully man, He would not be hungry. If He were not fully man, He would have known that the tree bore no fruit.
Yet, we see the fully divine side of Jesus in the trees withering. He had the power to destroy the fruitless tree in a moment. That is something that no mere man could have done.
As believers, we can rejoice in Jesus’ nature. Having been fully human, He experienced everything that we can experience. He can relate fully to our needs, our struggles and our triumphs. He has “been there and done that.”
As fully God, we can trust in Him to be merciful, just and faithful. He is a rock upon whom we can face all of this life and beyond and never have to worry about Him letting us down.
Being fully man, Jesus of Nazareth could pay the price on the cross for our sins. A man was required to be able to atone for the sins of humanity. His shed blood was an acceptable covering for our failings.
Jesus, fully God, intercedes with father on our behalf. There is no failing when He comes to our aid.
Until next time, rejoice in Jesus. He has it covered for us.
Praise His holy name.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed.
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
_____________________________
All contents are © 2001, 2022 K. F. “Kevin” Corbin and Gleanings From The Word.
Check us out on the web at https://gleaningsfromtheword.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Retalk.
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture references are from the English Standard Version (ESV). Spelling modified to Canadian English as required.
____________________________
#devotional #biblestudy #dailybible #bible #love #joy #gleanings #KevinCorbin #jesus #god #faith #christian #Christ #Father #bibleverses #prayer #church #forgiveness #Holyspirit #pray #jesuschrist #worship #Biblereading #believe #dailybiblereading #dailybible #devotional #discipleship
#Fig #figtree #humanityofChrist #deityofChrist