Matthew 21:20 - When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither away?”
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What does "Matthew 21:20" mean?
This verse from Matthew 21:20 refers to the immediate withering of a fig tree that Jesus had cursed the previous day. Let's break down the meaning and significance:
Context: The verse follows the story of Jesus cursing a fig tree that had leaves but no fruit. Jesus was hungry and approached the tree expecting to find figs, but found none. He then cursed the tree, saying, "May no fruit ever come from you again!"
"When the disciples saw it...": The disciples were present both the day Jesus cursed the fig tree and the following day when they noticed its withered state.
"...they marveled...": The word "marveled" implies astonishment, wonder, and perhaps a bit of awe and disbelief. They were surprised by the suddenness and completeness of the withering.
"...saying, 'How did the fig tree immediately wither away?'": This question reveals their bewilderment. They were not necessarily questioning Jesus' power, but were more likely expressing their amazement at the speed and completeness of the withering. Usually, such things take time, but this was immediate.
Significance & Interpretation:
The cursing of the fig tree is a symbolic act and has several layers of interpretation:
1. Symbolism of Unfruitfulness: The fig tree represents something that appears to have potential (leaves suggesting fruit) but is ultimately unproductive. This is often interpreted as representing:
Hypocrisy: People or institutions that present an outward appearance of righteousness or goodness, but lack inner substance or good works.
Israel's religious leaders: Some scholars believe the fig tree symbolizes the religious leaders of Israel at the time, who were outwardly religious but had become corrupt and ineffective in guiding the people to God.
Lack of Faith: In a broader sense, it can symbolize a lack of faith or a failure to bear spiritual fruit in one's life.
2. Jesus' Authority and Power: The immediate withering of the tree demonstrates Jesus' power over nature. It underscores his divine authority and his ability to bring judgment.
3. Lesson on Prayer and Faith: Following the disciples' question, Jesus uses the incident as a teaching opportunity about the power of prayer and faith:
In Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." This highlights that with genuine faith and without doubt, believers can accomplish great things through prayer.
In conclusion, the verse about the withering fig tree serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, prompting the disciples to marvel at Jesus' power. More importantly, it sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the importance of bearing fruit, the dangers of hypocrisy, and the power of faith and prayer. It is a complex parable that has resonated with readers for centuries, offering valuable lessons about spiritual growth and the nature of faith.
Matthew 21:20 - When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree immediately wither away?”
What does "Matthew 21:20" mean?
This verse from Matthew 21:20 refers to the immediate withering of a fig tree that Jesus had cursed the previous day. Let's break down the meaning and significance:
Context: The verse follows the story of Jesus cursing a fig tree that had leaves but no fruit. Jesus was hungry and approached the tree expecting to find figs, but found none. He then cursed the tree, saying, "May no fruit ever come from you again!"
"When the disciples saw it...": The disciples were present both the day Jesus cursed the fig tree and the following day when they noticed its withered state.
"...they marveled...": The word "marveled" implies astonishment, wonder, and perhaps a bit of awe and disbelief. They were surprised by the suddenness and completeness of the withering.
"...saying, 'How did the fig tree immediately wither away?'": This question reveals their bewilderment. They were not necessarily questioning Jesus' power, but were more likely expressing their amazement at the speed and completeness of the withering. Usually, such things take time, but this was immediate.
Significance & Interpretation:
The cursing of the fig tree is a symbolic act and has several layers of interpretation:
1. Symbolism of Unfruitfulness: The fig tree represents something that appears to have potential (leaves suggesting fruit) but is ultimately unproductive. This is often interpreted as representing:
Hypocrisy: People or institutions that present an outward appearance of righteousness or goodness, but lack inner substance or good works.
Israel's religious leaders: Some scholars believe the fig tree symbolizes the religious leaders of Israel at the time, who were outwardly religious but had become corrupt and ineffective in guiding the people to God.
Lack of Faith: In a broader sense, it can symbolize a lack of faith or a failure to bear spiritual fruit in one's life.
2. Jesus' Authority and Power: The immediate withering of the tree demonstrates Jesus' power over nature. It underscores his divine authority and his ability to bring judgment.
3. Lesson on Prayer and Faith: Following the disciples' question, Jesus uses the incident as a teaching opportunity about the power of prayer and faith:
In Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." This highlights that with genuine faith and without doubt, believers can accomplish great things through prayer.
In conclusion, the verse about the withering fig tree serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative, prompting the disciples to marvel at Jesus' power. More importantly, it sets the stage for Jesus to teach about the importance of bearing fruit, the dangers of hypocrisy, and the power of faith and prayer. It is a complex parable that has resonated with readers for centuries, offering valuable lessons about spiritual growth and the nature of faith.