21:17-22 What lesson do we learn from Jesus cursing the fig tree and causing it to die?

(cp also Mk 11:12-14, 20-24) This is the parallel passage to Mt 21:17-22. The fig tree in these passages is not to be confused with the fig tree in Lk 13 (cp Lk 13:6-9). This is called the parable of the barren fig tree.

This fig tree symbolizes the fruitlessness of Israel (see comment on Lk 13:6-9). The teaching here is different altogether to what we learn from the fig tree Jesus cursed and caused to die in Mt 21 and Mk 11.

What we learn in Mt 21:17-22 and Mk 11:12-14, 20-24 is a Divine object lesson in faith in which Jesus teaches that believers who trust implicitly in God would not only do miracles such as cursing a fig tree and causing it to die, but that they would be able to literally move mountains (cp also Mt 17:20).

Many Bible commentators do not see the mountain Jesus refers to as a literal mountain, but it is, because He said the same thing about a literal tree elsewhere in scripture (cp Lk 17:6).

Christians must believe that Jesus is referring to a literal mountain and a literal tree in this teaching, and that if they act out their faith, even though it may only be as tiny as a mustard seed it will produce the results Jesus promises (cp Jn 14:12-14).

Jesus’ teaching in these scriptures places no limit on what believers may speak into being or ask for in prayer in accordance with God’s word. Every Christian without exception is promised everything they ask for in prayer, providing they qualify for an answer (cp Jn 15:7-8; 2 Cor 1:19-20; 1Jn 5:14-15).

21:23-27 See comments on Mk 11:27-33.

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