Matthew 21:18–22 recounts the story where Jesus curses the fig tree.
Faith without fruit is like leaves without life.
In a startling act, Jesus curses a fig tree that looked full of promise—but had no fruit. This wasn’t just about breakfast. It was a prophetic picture, illustrating Jesus’ cursing of the fig tree as a sign of a greater spiritual truth.
Matthew 21:18–22 (NASB 2020)
18Â Now in the early morning, when He was returning to the city, He became hungry. 19Â And seeing a lone fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it except leaves alone; and He said to it, “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” And at once the fig tree withered. 20Â Seeing this, the disciples were amazed and said, “How did the fig tree wither all at once?” 21Â And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly 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 even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it will happen. 22Â And whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”
Who Was Jesus Speaking To?
- The disciples, teaching them about the power of authentic faith
- We are warned today, warning us against spiritual appearances without substance
What Happened?
- Jesus is hungry and sees a fig tree full of leaves (promise)
- The tree has no fruit (productivity)
- He curses the tree, and it withers instantly. This moment when Jesus curses the fig tree serves as a profound lesson.
- The disciples are amazed, and Jesus uses it as a lesson in faith and prayer
The Mood: Prophetic, Startling, Instructional
- Jesus acts decisively and symbolically
- The moment is both sobering and inspiring
The Principle: Fruitfulness Matters to God
- Looks aren’t enough—God expects genuine spiritual fruit
- Faith without works is dead (James 2:17)
- Prayer with belief moves mountains
- Power flows from sincere, fruitful lives
Audience Response (Then)
- The disciples were amazed and likely confused when Jesus cursed the fig tree, an act heavy with symbolic meaning.
- This event was less about punishment and more about teaching
What This Means for Us in 2025
- Many appear godly but bear no lasting fruit
- Jesus is still inspecting trees—and hearts, just as when He curses the fig tree.
- We need authentic faith that leads to visible results
- Believing prayer is powerful when it flows from a clean heart
Action Steps for Today
- Examine your fruit. Are you producing love, joy, peace, and obedience?
- Don’t settle for appearances. God sees beyond your leaves.
- Believe boldly in prayer. Speak with confidence and alignment with God’s will.
- Repent of fruitlessness. Ask the Lord to prune what doesn’t bear fruit.
- Live with power. Let your faith lead to genuine transformation.
Final Prayer
Lord, I don’t want just to look fruitful—I want to live it. Reveal where I’m leafy but lacking. Help me pray bold prayers and live a life of active faith. Let my life bear fruit that glorifies You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
When Jesus inspects your life, may He find more than leaves. May He find faith, fruit, and fire.
