Faith, Fig Trees, and Religious Leaders
Holy Tuesday is often overlooked and quieter than Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, or Good Friday. However, it holds significant importance in understanding the theology of Jesus as he approached the cross. On this day, he specifically addressed the self-righteousness of the Jewish religious leaders, teaching that salvation flows from the grace and mercy of God, not works.
The Fig Tree
After cleansing the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17), Jesus left Jerusalem and spent the night in Bethany. Verse 18 tells us that the next day, he approached a fig tree because he was hungry, but the tree had no figs. Jesus cursed the fig tree, and it withered immediately.
Jesus went on to tell his disciples something strange: “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith” (Matthew 18:21-22). But what does this mean?
In context, Jesus had just come from cleansing the Temple where there was no fruit of faith in God, only of works. The chosen people of God had turned the house of God into a place of business. God is pleased with faith. On the state of this fig tree, Matthew Henry wrote,
“Christ's just expectations from flourishing professors are often frustrated and disappointed; he comes to many, seeking fruit, and finds leaves only, and he discovers it. Many have a name to live, and are not alive indeed.”
This fig tree was a representation of the Jewish people and their lack of faith in the Messiah King, Jesus. Whatever is not of faith in God and of his Son is as fruitless and useless as a withered fig tree.
Jesus’ Authority
Upon Jesus’ return to the Temple, the chief priests and elders challenged the authority of Jesus as he was teaching. These religious leaders had seen many signs and wonders, had most likely been at the Temple the day before and observed the excitement of the people over Jesus. Yet they still questioned his authority and challenged them.
Seeing signs and wonders will not make someone believe. Only those whose spiritual eyes of faith have been opened – those are the ones who truly see.
We see this stated so clearly in the book of Galatians, “Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham” (Galatians 3:7).
Parables and Questions
This is followed by Jesus teaching three parables: The Parable of the Two Sons, The Parable of the Tenants, and the Parable of the Wedding Feast. Each of these parables demonstrates a valuable lesson: Those who place faith in God look and wait for the coming of his Son with eagerness and obedience.
These three parables are followed up by questions about paying taxes to Caesar, marriage and the resurrection, and what the greatest commandment is. The religious leaders still did not get it. Their lack of faith in Jesus was evident. These people were not anxiously or faithfully waiting for the coming of a Savior. They were too busy trying to prove Jesus wrong.
Seven Woes
After this, Jesus pronounced seven woes (accusations) against the religious leaders. Here Jesus calls them out on their pride and self-righteousness:
They preach but do not practice (Matthew 23:1-12).
They keep people from entering the kingdom of God through faith (Matthew 23:13-15).
They exalt the riches of this world above the things of God (Matthew 23:16-22).
They neglect the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23-24).
They are more concerned with outwardly appearing righteous and less concerned about the state of their hearts (Matthew 23:25-26).
They are outwardly good, but inside are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness (Matthew 23:27-28).
They assume a holiness they don’t possess (Matthew 23:29-36).
The End of the Temple
After these teachings, the disciples went to Jesus privately. Upon his disciples pointing out the temple and other buildings, Jesus responded, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be torn down” (Matthew 24:2).
The religious leaders, the Temple, and sacrifices would one day cease to exist. There would be no need for those things (see John 4:23-24). There would be no need for sacrifices (see Hebrews 10:1-10). All would be fulfilled in Jesus.
So What?
What can we learn from Jesus’ teaching from Holy Tuesday? How can we practically apply it?
Here are some questions to ask your heart:
Do I resist Jesus’ authority like the religious leaders? Am I self-righteous in how I approach Jesus?
Do I bear fruit of faith in God?
Do I trust that Christ fulfilled all things – and that faith he is enough?
Holy Tuesday is a call to place faith in Jesus, to acknowledge the authority of Jesus, and to take joy in Jesus’ fulfillment as the true Temple.
Brittany Proffitt lives in Dallas and is a writer and content manager for So We Speak.
