MARK 11:12–14, 20–26
JESUS CURSES A FIG TREE
Text – Mark 11:12–14, 20–26
12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.
13 Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs.
14 And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.
20 Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.
21 Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
22 Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God.
23 Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him.
24 Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
25 When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.”
26 [But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.]
Introduction
This striking episode of the cursing and withering of the fig tree, placed around the cleansing of the Temple in Mark’s narrative, serves as a symbolic act and a profound teaching on faith, prayer, and forgiveness. The fig tree, full of leaves but lacking fruit, represents religious hypocrisy—outward show without inner conversion. Jesus uses the moment not only to reveal divine authority but to instruct His disciples that genuine faith bears fruit through trust and forgiveness. The withered fig tree becomes a visual parable of judgment against sterile religiosity and a lesson on the power of living faith.
Historical and Jewish Context
In Jewish symbolism, the fig tree often represented Israel (cf. Hosea 9:10; Jeremiah 8:13). A fruitful fig tree symbolized blessing and faithfulness, while a barren one symbolized judgment. Although it was not the season for figs, the tree’s abundance of leaves suggested that it should have produced early, edible buds. Jesus’ act is prophetic, not arbitrary—it signifies God’s rejection of fruitless worship, particularly the spiritual barrenness of the Temple leadership. This event occurs between His triumphal entry and His cleansing of the Temple, forming a literary “sandwich” that links the two: the fig tree and the Temple both appear alive outwardly but lack true fruit. In rabbinic tradition, mountains often symbolized obstacles or great powers, making Jesus’ image of moving a mountain a metaphor for the limitless power of faith.
Catholic Theological Perspective
The fig tree’s withering symbolizes the divine judgment that comes upon all who have the appearance of holiness but lack genuine conversion and love. Jesus’ teaching that follows turns the lesson from judgment to faith: “Have faith in God.” Faith, when genuine and trusting, participates in God’s creative power—capable of transforming impossible situations. Prayer, to be effective, must be rooted in such faith and coupled with forgiveness, which removes the barriers to divine grace. Theologically, this passage connects faith, prayer, and reconciliation as essential elements of Christian life (CCC 2610–2615). The fruit Jesus seeks is the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)—love, mercy, and justice. Without these, even external religion becomes lifeless.
Parallels in Scripture
Hosea 9:10 – Israel compared to early fruit on the fig tree.
Jeremiah 8:13 – “No grapes on the vine, no figs on the tree.”
Luke 13:6–9 – Parable of the barren fig tree awaiting repentance.
Matthew 21:18–22 – Parallel account of the cursing of the fig tree.
John 15:5 – “Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit.”
Key Terms
Fig Tree – Symbol of Israel and, by extension, of every soul called to bear fruit in faith.
Faith – Total trust in God’s power and providence that makes the impossible possible.
Prayer – Communion with God that requires confidence and purity of heart.
Forgiveness – The condition for receiving God’s mercy and sustaining faith in love.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is often read during Lent or Ordinary Time as a call to authentic faith and repentance. In the liturgy, the faithful are reminded that the fruits of prayer must be accompanied by reconciliation—especially in the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The Eucharist, too, demands this spirit of faith and forgiveness before one approaches the altar, as Jesus taught (Matthew 5:23–24).
Conclusion
The cursing of the fig tree is not an act of anger but a symbolic teaching. God expects His people to bear spiritual fruit, not mere appearances of faith. The withered tree stands as a warning against empty religiosity, while Jesus’ words about faith and forgiveness offer hope—the power to move mountains of sin and doubt through trust in God.
Reflection
Does my faith produce fruit in my life and relationships? Do I hold grudges that block the flow of grace in prayer? Jesus calls me to a living faith that trusts, forgives, and bears fruit through love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith so that I may trust You completely. Help me to bear the fruits of love, mercy, and forgiveness in my daily life. Remove from my heart all resentment and doubt, that my prayer may rise before You pure and sincere. Amen.