MPV Commentary

Cleansing of the Temple, on the Second and Third Days of the Week.

11 And Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. After surveying all things, he left with the twelve disciples for Bethany as evening approached.

The Barren Fig Tree Cursed with Lessons from It--Second

12 The next day, when they came from Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He had spent the previous night in prayer at a solitary place (Luke 6:12) or risen early to pray before returning to the city (Mark 1:35). We don't know his exact movements, but we do know he was genuinely hungry.

13 Seeing a fig tree with leaves off in the distance, Jesus approached it, hoping to find some fruit. However, when he reached the tree, he found only leaves; the time for figs had not yet arrived.

14 Jesus replied to the tree, "No one will ever eat fruit from you again." This curse did not make the tree barren but sealed its existing barrenness in place (Matthew 13:13-15). The disciples heard and noted his words, which served as a connection to the events that followed.

Second Cleansing of the Temple

For an explanation of this portion, see Luke 19:45-48.

Lessons from the Cursing of the Fig Tree

20 On Tuesday morning, as Jesus and his disciples passed by Jerusalem again, they saw the fig tree had withered away from its roots. This was not a partial blight but a complete death, leaving no life in the root or branch (Matthew 21:19). Mark's narrative distinguishes between two days, while Matthew presents the entire event as happening at once.

21 Peter remembered the cursed fig tree and said to Jesus, "Look, the tree you cursed has withered away." He connected the curse directly to the tree's death. Matthew simply records the disciples' surprise at how quickly the blight took effect (Matthew 21:20).

22 Jesus replied, "Have faith in God."

23 He continued, "I assure you that whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and cast into the sea,' will have whatever they say." This lesson was not about physically moving mountains but about overcoming moral obstacles to the progress of His kingdom. The focus was on the power of a confiding faith in God.

24 Therefore, Jesus said, "Whatever you desire when you pray, believe that you receive it, and you will have it." This verse generalizes the assurance given in Mark 11:23, which seems to be directed specifically at evangelistic and missionary efforts. This statement is a broader directive for prevailing prayer in general.

25 When standing in prayer, Jesus instructed his disciples to forgive anyone they had anything against, so that their Father in heaven might also forgive them (Matthew 6:12).