What is the importance of the Barren fig tree in Marks Gospel?
Verse 13 says, ‘It was not the season for figs.’ Fig-trees around Jerusalem normally begin to get leaves in March or April but do not produce figs until their leaves are all out in June. This tree was unusual – it was already (at Passover time) in full leaf. Therefore, it was reasonable to expect figs to be present as well. Perhaps this barren tree was used by Jesus as a parable of judment on Israel (Hosea 9:10 Nahum 3:12) The cleansing of the Temple is sandwiched between this event and Jesus returning the next morning to find the cursed tree withered. That must be significant! Yet Jesus only applies the event as an illustration of believing prayer. That’s also significant! At risk of confusing you, turn to Luke 13:6-8 for a parable Jesus told of another unproductive fig tree. It’s owner was going to cut it down after 3 years of barrenness but the gardener suggested he tend and manure it for another year and give it one more chance to produce fruit. Again, if this refers to Israel, it
