How Soon is the Fig Tree Withered - Matthew 21:20

Matthew the apostle wrote how, “in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on you henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away” and in chapter twenty-one and verse twenty of his book, Matthew shares how Jesus' disciples said, “how soon is the fig tree withered away” where we read:

And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!

The verse reads, “And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, ...” Matthew began with the words, “and when” or “and at the time and moment” “the disciples” which refers to “Jesus' students, pupils and attendants” “saw it” or “perceived, noticed, discerned and discovered the fig tree”, “they marveled” or “wondered in admiration”, “saying” which means “uttering, declaring and proclaiming”. Matthew shared how Jesus' disciples were amazed by what happened to the “fig tree”.

The verse continues, “... How soon is the fig tree withered away!” Matthew added the words, “how soon” which means “in what way immediately, forthwith and instantly” “is the fig tree” which refers to “the tree that bears fig fruit that Jesus cursed” “withered away” or “became dry and withered and pined away”. Matthew wrote how the disciples were amazed at how quickly the “fig tree” that Jesus cursed dried up and pined away.

When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we see the disciples of Jesus' reaction to the “dried up” “fig tree”. At Jesus' command, the “fig tree” immediately “withered away” and would never again bear fruit. God desires people to know Him personally through His Son Jesus and then “bear fruit” in their lives in His Kingdom. Those who are wise shall realize God has Created them for His pleasure, and the sooner they yield their lives to Him in faith, the sooner they shall “bear fruit” that is pleasing to Him. (See Revelation 4:11)

Next time Matthew writes how Jesus says, “if you have faith, and doubt not, you shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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