Matthew 21 Verses 18-32 – Why Did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? In Matthew 21 Verses 18-32, Jesus approaches a fig tree covered in leaves but finds no fruit. Many ask why He would curse it if it was not yet the season for figs. The answer is not about agriculture. It is about spiritual fruit.
Matthew 21 Verses 18-32 reveals that the fig tree represents religious appearance without obedience. Leaves without fruit expose an empty profession. In Matthew 21 Verses 18-32, Jesus shows that He inspects what we produce. When fruit is absent, judgment follows.
GOSPEL OF MATTHEW BIBLE STUDY SERIES
This study of Matthew: Matthew 21 Verses 1-17 – Triumphal Entry & Temple Cleansing is part of a verse-by-verse teaching series through the Gospel of Matthew.
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Next: Matthew 21 Verses 33-22:14 – Wicked Tenants, Wedding Feast
In this passage, three scenes unfold that expose fruitlessness, false authority, and empty profession.
The Cursing of the Fig Tree – Matthew 21:18-22
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Scriptures used in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32 lesson
- Matthew 21:18–20, Hebrews 4:15, Mark 11:13, Matthew 7:16, Revelation 5:5, Romans 11:22, Matthew 11:23–24, Hebrews 13:8, 1 John 4:8, Matthew 18:6, Luke 16:23, 1 Kings 18:7-8, Hebrews 12:6, Matthew 23:13, Matthew 23:14, Matthew 23:15, Matthew 23:16, Matthew 23:23, Matthew 23:24, Matthew 23:25, Matthew 23:33, Jonah 1:17, Matthew 21:19, Mark 11:14, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Hosea 9:10, Joel 1:7, Isaiah 5:7, Revelation 2:5, Revelation 2:4, Revelation 22:2, Matthew 7:20, Matthew 21:20–22, Matthew 21:21-22, Matthew 21:23, Ephesians 4:13, Matthew 17:4, Revelation 18:4, 1 Corinthians 3:1–6, 1 Corinthians 3:1-6, 1 Corinthians 3:22, Matthew 16:18, Matthew 21:24-27, Matthew 21:28-32, Matthew 21:31, Matthew 23:3, 1 Samuel 15:22–23, 1 Samuel 15:22, 1 Samuel 15:23, Matthew 7:21-27, Matthew 28:20, James 1:22, 1 Thessalonians 5:12, Matthew 7:15–20, Matthew 7:15, Esther 4:14, Matthew 28:19-20, John 16:13, 1 John 2:27, Ephesians 4:4-6, 2 Samuel 6:14
In Matthew chapter 21, we are covering verses 18 through 32. In Matthew chapter 21, we are covering verses 18 through 32. This section of Scripture is known as Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. I did not reach the end of the chapter because I followed several rabbit trails before getting to verse 46. We will deal with that in the next section. Today I want to focus on three main thoughts and explore them carefully. Today I want to focus on three main thoughts and explore them carefully in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32.
We are looking at the cursing of the fig tree, Christ’s credentials being questioned, and the parable of the two sons, or the truth that talking good does not get it done. These themes are central to Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. Some people struggle with the idea that Jesus would curse a fig tree. They say God is love, so that story must be wrong.
The High Priest wanted to know what denomination Jesus belonged to. I sometimes wonder how pleased the apostle Paul would be with our denominational systems today. There are deceived pretenders in the church world. They say the right things, but do not do them. Harlots who repented are ahead of them. These are the thoughts we are bringing out.
First, we look at the cursing of the fig tree in verses 18-22. First, in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32, we look at the cursing of the fig tree in verses 18-22. Matthew and Mark tell the story differently. Mark presents it in chronological order over two days – Jesus curses the tree one day, and they see it withered the next. Matthew presents the account as a single, complete event. The difference is not a contradiction. It simply helps us understand Matthew 21 Verses 18-32 more clearly. It is simply two authors emphasizing different details.
In verses 18-20, Jesus returned to the city in the morning and was hungry. He saw a fig tree with leaves, but found no fruit. He spoke to it and said no fruit would grow on it from that time forward. Immediately, the fig tree withered. The disciples saw it and marveled at how quickly it happened. This moment is one of the strongest scenes in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32.
Matthew 21:18–20
18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.
19 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 thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
These opening verses set the tone for Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. The first thing I noticed in this passage is that it says he hungered. I looked up that word, and it means to crave. That shows how human Christ was. Jesus craved a few figs. He was like you and me. He was tempted in all points like we are (Hebrews 4:15). If he had not been fully human, it would not have been fair. He hungered. He craved. Jesus felt those things.
Now we come to the fig tree. We have all heard about the poor little fig tree. Many say it was not the time for figs. Mark even says it was not yet time for figs (Mark 11:13). So people wonder why Jesus would curse it.
In that region, the early figs from the previous year begin to appear at the end of March and ripen in May or June. The larger figs from the new shoots are gathered from August to October. The earlier figs begin to appear at the same time as the leaves. Sometimes they even come before the leaves.
Passover was near in April. That means the full season for ripe figs had not yet arrived. It was therefore not the season for figs (Mark 11:13).
Mark 11:13
13 And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.
Jesus was craving some figs and noticed this tree from a distance. It stood out because it had leaves and full foliage. That kind of tree should have fruit. So He went up to it. That insight comes from Hendrickson’s commentary on Matthew, page 774.
The tree had green leaves. That is where I bring this home. Many Christians have leaves. They look alive and move in the breeze, i.e., the Spirit. Yet when you inspect them, there is nothing to eat. A Christian is meant to bear fruit. That principle is emphasized throughout Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. We grow fruit so others can eat. There are hungry people in this world. Our purpose is to produce fruit. Jesus said we are known by our fruit (Matthew 7:16). Leaves are not enough. When Jesus found only pretentious leaves, He cursed the tree.
People struggle with that. They ask if He was angry or punishing a poor tree. Some think Jesus is always gentle. He is gentle, but He is also the Lion (Revelation 5:5). There is mercy, and there is severity (Romans 11:22). Both are revealed in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. Both are true.
I remember discussing this in Griffin. A friend felt sorry for the fig tree. He could not understand why it was cursed. The reason is simple. It was not producing. In Matthew 11:23-24, Jesus even curses cities.
Matthew 11:23–24
23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Remember what we read in verses 21 and 22. If He cursed a city, then He could curse a fig tree. In verses 23 and 24, He spoke judgment over Capernaum and said it would be more tolerable for Sodom on the day of judgment. That is strong language.
For some reason, we think harsh judgment belonged only to the Old Testament. Yet He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is love, and God is love (1 John 4:8). Still, there are two sides – mercy and severity. That is the point I am pressing.
Matthew 18:6 says,
Matthew 18:6
6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.
Does that sound like gentle Jesus? Many say God is love and would not act that way. That thinking removes the fear of God and of Christ. Hell becomes a figment. People are not afraid of hell because they follow a gentle image of Jesus. Yet hell is real (Luke 16:23). Sinners are not afraid, and some in church think they are secure no matter how they live.
In Matthew 23, we see Jesus speak to religious leaders. He pronounces woes on the Pharisees, scribes, and Sadducees. They had no fear. We saw this same spirit when Obadiah called Elijah his master, and Elijah corrected him (1 Kings 18:7-8). They had forgotten who their true Master was. Many today think of a God who used to judge and used to move. They do not see Him as present and ruling now. They believe in sweet Jesus but not the Lord who judges.
There are many ‘woes’ spoken by Jesus. I want us to understand that God is real. He is a Father who corrects (Hebrews 12:6). Hell is real. Gentle Jesus would not send anyone there, but the real Jesus will. Gentle Jesus would not curse the fig tree, but the real Jesus did. That is what I want us to grasp. When I began reading certain writers, I saw how they softened these truths. That troubled me. Jesus said in Matthew 23:13 that the scribes and Pharisees shut up the kingdom of heaven and would not enter themselves.
The warnings connected to Matthew 21 Verses 18-32 do not stand alone.
Matthew 23:13
13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Now these religious people were not in the kingdom of heaven. Then, in verse 14, he says,
Matthew 23:14
14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
In other words, they get their money. And by pretence, they make long prayers. Have you ever seen anybody pray for a long time? And you knew it was a pretence. Verse 15 says,
Matthew 23:15
15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
In Matthew 23:15, Jesus said they travel far to make one convert and then make him twice the child of hell as themselves (Matthew 23:15). That is, religious activity producing destruction.
These were religious people, and they were heading for hell. Some religious leaders today preach a gentle Jesus and are on the same path. That is why I am pressing this point. In Matthew 23:16, He called them blind guides (Matthew 23:16). That is what I see today – blind leaders producing blind followers. They reproduce themselves.
Then in Matthew 23:23, He said,
Matthew 23:23
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
After saying they omit the weightier matters, He names judgment first. That is what is being omitted today. Teachers emphasize mercy and faith, and those are important. Still, judgment is also necessary. We cannot ignore it.
In Matthew 23:24, He said they strain at a gnat and swallow a camel (Matthew 23:24). They focus on small details and ignore major issues. In Matthew 23:25, He said,
Matthew 23:25
25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
You’re white as sepletures and so forth and so on. You’re the one who kills the messengers of God. But finally, verse 33, and that’s where I wanted to get to.
Matthew 23:33
33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?
Jesus spoke these words to religious leaders who knew and taught the law. They studied the Word and believed they were right. Yet He called them serpents and a generation of vipers and asked how they would escape the damnation of hell (Matthew 23:33). That is not gentle language.
When I hear talk of a gentle Jesus, I know someone think they are avoiding God’s judgment. God is real. Ask Jonah if God is serious (Jonah 1:17). Jesus said that generation would not escape hell. These were religious people who thought they were saved. They taught Scripture, but He warned them of judgment.
I read a well-known writer who said the cursing of the fig tree is the most difficult story in the Gospels. He claimed it does “not ring true.” He said it seems unworthy of Jesus. This person suggested it may not have happened as written. In effect, he denied the plain meaning of the text.
We cannot do that. When Scripture does not fit our theology, we must change our theology. We cannot reshape Scripture to fit our ideas. That is how we end up with a perverted gentle Jesus. He is Lord, and He will judge. People are deceived because they adapt Scripture to themselves instead of adapting themselves to Scripture.
Jesus cursed that fig tree. That is what the text says. Matthew 21:19 says it, and Mark 11:14 says it. That verse is foundational to Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. Those verses are just as valid as John 3:16.
Matthew 21:19
19 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 thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
Mark 11:14
14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.
If we reject Matthew’s account of the cursing of the fig tree, then we must reject salvation too, because it is all in the same book. We do not have the right to adjust Scripture to fit our lives. Our lives must line up with Scripture. The Bible does not conform to mythology. It changes us. We are meant to change from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).
Now I want to address the fig tree as a type of Israel. In Scripture, the fig tree represents Israel. I have pointed to Hosea 9, Joel 1:7, and Isaiah 5 to show that connection. The fig tree stands as a picture of the nation and its spiritual condition.
Hosea 9:10
10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness; I saw your fathers as the firstripe in the fig tree at her first time: but they went to Baalpeor, and separated themselves unto that shame; and their abominations were according as they loved.
Joel 1:7
7 He hath laid my vine waste, and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare, and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white.
Isaiah 5:7
7 For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant: and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.
Many commentators say this was an enacted parable about Israel. They say Israel was full of religious leaves but had no fruit. I agree with that. Still, I believe the principle applies to every created thing. Everything is made for a purpose. A fig tree is made to produce figs and will not be blessed if it does not. The Lord expects productivity.
I must ask myself if I am that fig tree. That question lies at the heart of Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. If I stand there with leaves and appearance, but no fruit, what will He do? This is not a game. We are dealing with a real Lord and a real God. Fruit is not for Sunday only. It is for every day of life. When He comes, He looks for fruit.
An unproductive life is a cursed life. If I refuse my purpose, I am like Jonah in the belly of the whale (Jonah 1:17). I must repent and return to what I was created to do. Natural Israel was unproductive. Jesus examined it and acted accordingly. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, He examines the churches and responds to what He finds.
Revelation 2:5
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
That question lies at the heart of Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. This is heavy. In Revelation chapters 2 and 3, He writes to seven churches. He commends them where they are right. He corrects them when they are wrong. Then He warns them that judgment will come if they do not repent.
Take the church at Ephesus. He told them they had left their first love (Revelation 2:4). He warned that if they did not return, He would remove their candlestick (Revelation 2:5). That shows He inspects, and He acts.
Revelation 2:4–5
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
There is no church of Ephesus today. The city itself is gone. That makes me ask if they returned to their first love. Did they ignore the warning?
I say this as a warning to us. He comes to our fellowship looking for more than leaves. The Lord wants more than the Sunday prayer service. He wants fruit. In the heavenly Jerusalem, there is a river. On each side are trees that bear fruit in their season, and the nations eat from them (Revelation 22:2). That is the kind of fruit He is looking for.
Revelation 22:2
2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
The Lord wants something produced here that will feed our city. I believe He also wants fruit that feeds nations. There must be a productive life. An unproductive life is a cursed life. It leads to misery and unrest. A person runs from God until he begins to produce what he was created to produce.
Jesus comes to a life looking for fruit. He is hungry. We must be trees that bear fruit. If we are born of the same seed and have the same Father, we should produce what He produced. He fed nations. By our fruit we are known (Matthew 7:20). That is the measure.
Matthew 21:20–22
20 Matthew 21:20 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!
21 Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.
Faith and fruit together define Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. In Matthew 21:21-22, Jesus said that if we have faith and do not doubt, we can do what was done to the fig tree. He said we can speak to a mountain and it will be removed. He added that whatever we ask in prayer, believing, we will receive (Matthew 21:21-22).
The word faith there is pistis. It means persuasion, conviction, reliance, and constancy. The word doubt means to hesitate. If I hesitate when I pray, I do not truly believe. If faith is not settled, I am wasting my breath. When I know something is God’s will, I can speak it and expect it to happen.
I have seen this in small ways. I once spoke against something on Judy’s head. It did not change instantly, but it dried up. We believed, and we saw results. Jesus did not stop at the fig tree. He said we can speak to a mountain and it will move. Faith becomes simple. I must know God’s will. Once I know, I speak. In Matthew 21:21-22, He said to ask in prayer, believing. Believing activates faith. Words alone do not. Faith is activated when I truly believe.
Christ’s Authority Questioned – Matthew 21:23-27
Matthew 21:23
23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
In Matthew 21 Verses 18-32, the Lord’s authority was questioned (Matthew 21:23). The leaders asked who gave Him the right to teach. Authorization usually came from the Sanhedrin or a recognized rabbi. Jesus had no such credentials. They were really asking what doctrine and denomination He represented. Was Jesus a Pharisee or a Sadducee? They wanted to know what group He belonged to.
Denominationalism means a tendency to divide. It also means rigid devotion to a sect. The word “denomination” is not found in Scripture because the Bible calls for unity. Historically, movements formed around experiences. The Roman Catholic Church was established early. Later, Martin Luther emphasized justification by faith. Others were divided over baptism, holiness, and tongues. Each group stopped at its experience and formed a denomination.
God is bigger than one experience. He wants us to grow into the measure and fullness of Christ (Ephesians 4:13). We cannot stop to build tabernacles, as Peter wanted to do (Matthew 17:4). We must keep moving with God. Denominations formed when revival stopped, and men codified doctrine. God would move, and men would settle.
Scripture does not mention Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, Methodist, or Pentecostal. Revival began with God’s glory and ended with denominational glory. Systems resist change. People can change, but systems rarely do. Revelation 18:4 says to come out of Babylon (Revelation 18:4).
Revelation 18:4
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Our church consists of two fellowships coming together. We needed to determine what we believed. We decided to write it down. It was not a final statement. We were not driving down stakes. We were not saying this is all there is. As leadership, we were simply stating where we were at that time.
We wrote what we believed so we could lay it out. Then we could talk about it. We wanted to be in one mind, one accord, and one spirit. We wanted to say this is what we believe, and we wanted unity as we discussed it. There were no lines drawn in the sand. When God shows us something, we move forward. There is no stop.
We did that here one time. It was not to fix ourselves in place. It was, to be sure, to ensure we were thinking the same way and walking in the same spirit.
Turn in your Bible to 1 Corinthians 3:1-6.
1 Corinthians 3:1–6
1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
Division stands in contrast to the kingdom truth of Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. This passage teaches about divisions, sectarianism, and denominations. In 1 Corinthians 3:1-6, Paul says he could not speak to them as spiritual, but as carnal, as babes in Christ.
Why did Paul speak to them as babes? This is important. It shows why the body of Christ does not grow. It shows why the body stays a child. He fed them milk rather than meat because they were unable to bear it. He says they are yet carnal. There are envings, strife, and divisions among them. Denominations produce that same spirit. We look at others and call them names. Yet the Scripture says divisions are carnal. They walk as mere men, not spiritual men. One says I am Pentecostal. Another says I am Baptist. Paul asks who they are, but ministers by whom you believed. He planted. Apollos watered. God gave the increase.
Paul was not pleased with the division. When there were only a few, including Cephas, who was Peter (1 Corinthians 3:22), what would he say today with hundreds of such divisions? What would the Apostle Paul say if he walked into the church world now? I believe he would cry. It makes me cry. The Lord said, I will build my church (Matthew 16:18). He did not say He would build denominations.
I wrote a thesis on denominations. There are people in denominations who have never been born again. A denomination will not save you. Some sign a card and think that makes them saved. They have never been born again. They do not belong to the church. It is possible to belong to a denomination and be part of the church. It is also possible to attend a non-denominational fellowship without being in the church. Non-denominationalism does not save. Salvation is being in Christ and part of His church.
The church is not a building or an address. It is not a denomination or organization. It is knowing Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. The church is the people of God, the body of Christ, called out from darkness. It has no national or denominational boundaries. It is under the headship of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 21:24-27
24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him?
26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet.
27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
The Lord did what He had done many times. He responds to a question with a question. Jesus said, “I’ll answer you if you first answer me.” He knew they were attempting to trap Him, so he flipped the situation. “Tell me about John’s baptism. Was it from heaven, i.e., the spiritual dimension, or was it just of men?”
They wanted to say, but knew they couldn’t, that John’s baptism was of men. If they did, the people would revolt. If they said it was of the Spirit, Jesus would ask them why they did not do what John said and believe. So, they simply said, “We don’t know.”
The final section of Matthew 21 Verses 18-32 is the parable of the two sons.
The Parable of the Two Sons – Matthew 21:28-32
Matthew 21:28-32
28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
The parable of the two sons teaches that talk and simply giving the correct answer do not get it done. One son said no, but later repented and went to work in the vineyard. Jesus said tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom before the religious leaders (Matthew 21:31). That statement summarizes the spiritual warning in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. The other son said he would go work in the vineyard, but did not. He sounded right but produced no fruit.
Many say the right things but do nothing. They are like the Pharisees and Sadducees. John preached, and they did not repent. Being religious does not mean being in the kingdom. A person can say the right words and still live in rebellion. They say and do not (Matthew 23:3).
This has nothing to do with working for salvation. I want that clearly understood. I am not talking about earning salvation. What I am talking about is repentance and obedience. Repentance and obedience are the core message of Matthew 21 Verses 18-32.
Many teachers and leaders today know what to say. They say the right words. Yet as I read and teach this, I question whether some are in the kingdom, and I am not judging, only processing. All I have to go on is their fruit (Matthew 7:16). I cannot see their heart. I only see their lives and what they produce. There is much talk. There are many leaves. But I do not see fruit.
In closing, I want to turn to First Samuel chapter 15. I have most of it written out for you, but I want you to see it in your Scriptures. This passage is powerful to me. It helped me understand what I needed to. I believe it will help you also. We were in an elders meeting, and someone shared from this passage. It truly ministered to me.
1 Samuel 15:22–23
22 And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.
Let me give you some context. Saul was instructed by the word of the Lord to destroy King Agag and everything connected to him. He was to annihilate the people and the animals. Instead, Saul kept the king alive and spared the sheep and oxen. When Samuel came, he heard the bleating of the sheep. He asked Saul about it. Saul said he was going to offer them to God. Samuel answered with this question: Does the Lord delight more in burnt offerings and sacrifices than in obeying His voice? Then he said obedience is better than sacrifice and to hearken than the fat of rams (1 Samuel 15:22).
I later sat at our kitchen table and taught my daughter from this passage. She had been feisty with her mother. As her dad, I had her open her Bible and read it to me. It says rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft and stubbornness as iniquity and idolatry, and because Saul rejected the word of the Lord, the Lord rejected him from being king (1 Samuel 15:23). How important is obedience? I do not think we can measure it.
God wants a people who obey. He wants people who live it, not just talk it. Obedience is not a performance before others. It is a lifestyle. It is not something we speak about only. The Lord’s commandments are something we do. It flows from an obedient life.
Matthew 7-21-27 talks about how not everyone that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven. You can say Lord, Lord all you want. It is more than words. He that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven (Matthew 7:21-27) is the one who stands. Jesus speaks of two houses. The man who does what He says builds on a rock. When the winds and storms come, that house stands. Obedience to the word makes your house stand.
The one who is not obedient is like building on sand. The same storms come. The same winds blow. That house falls. It all goes back to obedience. It goes back to doing the word of God, not just saying Lord, Lord.
Many Christians come on Sunday and say Lord, Lord. Then their lives fall apart when the storms come. They wonder why their houses are falling. Help us, Lord, to see this. Matthew 28:20 says teach them.
Matthew 28:20
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Jesus is commissioning His disciples. He says to teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matthew 28:20). That means to observe what He commanded, not just say them. It is more than quoting Scripture. We can put verses on the refrigerator and repeat them every day. The Lord does want His word in our hearts. He truly does. But He also wants us to live it.
The issue is obedience to the word of God. James says to be doers of the word (James 1:22). It is not enough to hear it. It must be done.
James 1:22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Not hear only. Because when you’re only being hearers and speakers of the word, what are you doing? Deceiving your own selves.
How many are deceived today? Many are saying Lord, Lord. I have been in this same place of thought this week. I do not enjoy staying here, but it is what the Lord is pressing on me. We must wake up. There are people who pretend. They are deceived, and they deceive others. They say the right things, yet live in disobedience and rebellion.
So how do we know? How do we know if we are following a blind guide? How do we know if someone is only saying Lord, Lord? It is hard to tell by watching a person on television. Scripture says to know them who labor among you (1 Thessalonians 5:12). If someone tricks you and you are deceived, you have deceived yourself. The word says, “Know them who labor among you.”
Matthew 7:15–20
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
The fruit test ties directly back to Matthew 21 Verses 18-32. Jesus warned about false prophets as ravening wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15). How do we know? We know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:20). We must know what they produce. People must know what a ministry stands for and what it represents. You need to know who you follow and to whom you listen. You need to know who lays hands on you and who prays for you and your family. Look at their lives. Is there only talk and leaves, or is there fruit to feed the hungry? Many people are hungry and famished.
Everything we have studied in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32 brings us back to fruit, faith, and obedience.
Lord, let us be known by our fruits. You created us for a purpose. It was not to produce leaves but fruit. You placed each person here for such a time as this (Esther 4:14). That purpose is to feed the nations. You said to go into all nations and teach them to observe Your commandments (Matthew 28:19-20). Help us not only to hear the Word but to do it (James 1:22). Let us know those who labor among us (1 Thessalonians 5:12). Guide us by Your Spirit into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit teaches us all things (1 John 2:27).
Teach us that You will inspect the fruit of every tree. Teach us to bear fruit. I pray for our city. My desire is to see one fellowship here before my chariot comes. I long to see this city under proper church government. Bring unity. Destroy the divisions that separate us. Let us serve one Lord and walk in one light (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Help us put up with each other’s differences. If others can endure my desire to dance as David did (2 Samuel 6:14), I can endure their ways. Bring us to a place where we bear with one another. Remove division. Make us one church. Thank You for this fellowship and for hearts that desire obedience to Your Word. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions – Matthew 21 Verses 18-32
Why did Jesus curse the fig tree in Matthew 21 Verses 18-32?
Jesus cursed the fig tree because it had leaves but no fruit. It represented religious appearance without obedience and fruit.
Was it the season for figs when Jesus cursed the tree?
Mark 11:13 says it was not yet the season for figs. However, a tree with full leaves should have borne fruit early. Its appearance promised something it did not produce.
What does the fig tree represent in Matthew 21?
The fig tree represents Israel and also any life that shows outward religion but produces no spiritual fruit.
What lesson does the cursing of the fig tree teach?
It teaches that Jesus inspects fruit, not leaves. Faith, repentance, and obedience matter more than religious appearance.
How does this connect to the parable of the two sons?
Both sections warn against saying the right things but not doing the will of the Father.
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