The next day, after leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. From far away, he noticed a fig tree in leaf, so he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing except leaves, since it wasn’t the season for figs.  So he said to it, “No one will ever again eat your fruit!”  His disciples heard this.

Mark 11:12, Common English Bible (c) 2011

Jesus being hungry is so very human.  So is being angry.  But I don’t expect Jesus to be angry at a fig tree for not having figs when it isn’t fig season.  Maybe he was really hungry.  But seeking instant gratification just doesn’t seem very Jesus-like.

Luke tells the parable of the fig tree where the tree is fertilized and water and given another year to produce figs. (Luke 13:6-9)  So why did Jesus curse this fig tree?

Did Jesus mean for the disciples hear him?  A reminder that when we say something unexpected, someone is listening!

Lenten Reflections 2019:  Following Jesus from the Mount of Olives to the Tomb ~ Day 3

-Teressa Clark, 2019