Mark

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NASB	Mark 11:14 He said to it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening.
AMPLIFIED 2015	Mark 11:14 He said to it, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again!" And His disciples were listening [to what He said].

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Bible Question: Was it reasonable to curse the tree for being fruitless when it was not the season for figs (vs 13)?

Bible Answer: The curse of the fig tree is intertwined with Jesus' clearing of the temple. These stories are told in Mark 11:12-25 and Matthew 21:12-22. An interesting difference is that Matthew records Jesus cursing the fig tree AFTER clearing the temple and Mark records Jesus cursing the fig tree BEFORE clearing the temple. In either case, the meaning is the same.

In either gospel, the cursing of the fig tree was a acted-out parable to show Jesus' contempt for religion without substance. Just as the fig tree looked good from a distance and even had leaves on it (Mark 11:13, figs often grew as the leaves grew), it was barren in terms of figs. The temple had also seemed appealing from a distance, but inside were merchants and money changers who cheated and swindled and did everything but worship, which is what God's house is intended for. Also, the words applied to the nation of Israel: fruitful in appearance with Pharisees and Saducees, but spiritually barren on the inside.

In terms of the reasonability of Jesus' action, he had the authority to do it. And he did it to prove a point; to tell a story. At first glance, cursing a fig tree that's out of season seems a bit unfair. But as is often the case, a comprehensive reading of God's word shows God's incredibly glorious purpose for all things.

Shaun

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Questions and/or Subjects for Mark 11:14

Author

Was it reasonable to curse the tree? (?)

Searcher56

The curse of the fig tree is intertwined...

Sandman

why did Jesus curse fig tree? (?)

friendly stranger

the fig tree (?)

1way

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Mark