The Fig Tree

26Oct
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
-Mark11:12-14


When my day is not going well, and it seems to me I am the only one who senses the urgency of the moment; I become short-tempered. The truth is, it is usually my urgency alone and there is no reason it should be inflicted upon those in my orbit. Instinctively I know that. So, like a tea kettle on high heat, I think I have my lid on the gathering tempest, but internally I’m doing an emotional version of that ticking sound tea kettles make before the whistle blows. Inevitably, the whistle blows and I kick the figurative dog (the one creature in my life who understands me).


Mark, Matthew, and Luke all have versions of the curse of the fig tree. My reaction to Jesus’ behavior toward the fig tree has has always been some version of, “Damn Jesus, chill! Let’s get you a cup of coffee and start the day over…!” It’s a good thing I don’t say it out loud so Jesus can hear me. 


The truth is Jesus’ day is not going well, and his beloveds are slow to comprehend the urgency of the moment. In all three Gospels the cursing of the fig tree falls chronologically in the days of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem showered in palms, the expulsion of the money changers from the temple, and the raising of Lazarus from death. The trials and crucifixion are just around the corner, Jesus knows it, and his disciples are arguing about who is number one.


Jesus’ words and actions are never hollow. They always reveal the emerging fulfillment of the messianic prophecies. The cursed fig tree outside of Jericho is not about a missed breakfast tantrum, it remembers the words of Jeremiah, as he foretells the end. 

 

“‘I will take away their harvest,

declares the Lord.

  There will be no grapes on the vine.

There will be no figs on the tree,

  and their leaves will wither.

What I have given them

  will be taken from them]’”. Jeremiah 8:-13


Jesus is saying, “Look up. Look up, my beloveds, I am about to write a new end to the story — and you are central to it.”


Musical Reflection - Drop, Drop, Slow Tears - Orlando Gibbons - VOCES8


Patient Savior, forgive our distracted ways that prevent us from embracing our part in the new story for which you died and were resurrected. Thank you for your Grace, even when we scurry about, making our pitch to be “first”. And thank you for figs. Amen

Parable

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