Fig-tree Withers Away

(Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14,20-26)

The cursed fig tree withering away is a miracle recorded in the Gospel of Matthew and of Mark. According to the Gospel of Matthew, in the morning after visiting the Temple where Jesus Christ turned over the moneychangers' tables in the Temple. He came across a fig tree growing on the roadside. Feeling hungry, Jesus walked to the tree. But, he found out there were just leaves and no fruit on the tree. Then Jesus Christ said to the tree, "No more fruit shall ever grow on you!" His disciples saw the tree wither away and they asked Jesus how did he do that. Jesus replied, "if you have faith and have no doubts in you heart, you will not only do this to a fig-tree but even if you should say to this hill, 'Get up and throw yourself into the sea', it will happen! Everything you ask for in prayer, if you have faith, you will receive."

In the Gospel of Mark, a similar narrative about the withering tree is documented. However, there is a time delay between when the disciples ask Jesus about the shriveling tree and the tree withering away. But, in any case Jesus replies to the disciples in a similar fashion as noted in Matthew.

The importance of this miracle is that it shows us if we pray for something, our prayers will be answered. When looked in more depth, this miracle also teaches the importance of forgiving others when praying. If we don't forgive others, how could God forgive us for our sins?