Matthew 21:18-22

About the Text

(19) Why did Jesus wither the fig tree? Was he angry? No, Jesus was not throwing a tantrum out of hunger. This would be totally out of character for Jesus. Jesus was enacting a parable, in order to teach a lesson to the disciples. He taught that God wants "fruit" from Christians, that is, He wants Christians to lead a life of good works.

The Bible often uses the symbol of fruit in referring to good works. In Hosea 9:16, God condemns the people of Ephraim because "their root is withered, they yield no fruit." In Jeremiah 8:13, the lack of good works deserves the curse of God: "There will be no grapes on the vine. There will be no figs on the tree." Also, in Galatians 5:23, "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." And in Matthew 5:16, Jesus explains why good works please God: "let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Through this parable, Jesus spoke out against the Pharisees and the Jewish religious leaders at the time. He claimed that they were full of outward displays of religion, rituals, and rules, but lacked compassion, love, and mercy.

Therefore, Christ measures our success not by the size of the congregation, the size of the budget, nor even by the amount of Bible knowledge, but by the Christians' good works of love. We are called to obey, and leave the results up to Him. This is true success.

(21) Why in this lesson about good works is Jesus teaching about faith and prayer? Because the prayer of faith is the means through God changes our lives to produces good fruit.

God is the one who moves us to do good works: Phil. 1:6, 2:13, Eph. 2:8-10.

Sincere belief (faith) and prayer to Jesus Christ, not mere "will power," will produce a life of good works: Gal. 3:1-5.

Will good works earn us eternal life? No. See Eph. 2:8-9.

Then why do good works? Out of our gratitude to Jesus Christ for saving us. See Romans 12:1.

(22) Does Jesus mean that if we ask for simply anything, we'll get it? No. If you pray selfishly for a million-dollar mansion to drop out of the sky, God probably won't give it to you. In addition to the requirement of faith, the Bible also says that prayers must be made in the name of Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14), with godly motives (James 4:3), and in harmony with God's plan (1 John 5:14).

Insights

The Bottom Line

Jesus wants real "fruit." He wants us to help the needy, tell others about Jesus Christ so that they could be saved, offer hospitality, feed the hungry, encourage the downcast, visit the sick, teach the truth, heal broken marriages, mend families, clean up streets, and help one another in practical ways. There are needs all around us in our community. We have a big job to do. If we do it, it will be an enormous advertisement for Jesus, more than any billboard can do.

Key Memory Verse

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done." (Matthew 21:21)