The Encounter:
Jesus, being hungry, comes to a fig tree by the way and finds nothing on it but leaves (Matthew 21:18–19; Mark 11:12–13).
The Divine Intervention:
Jesus speaks a word of judgment to the tree: “May no fruit ever come from you again” (Matthew 21:19). Mark records His saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again”, and notes that His disciples heard it (Mark 11:14).
The Immediate Result:
Matthew records that the fig tree withered at once, and the disciples marveled (Matthew 21:20). Mark describes that the next day they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots, and Peter points it out to Jesus (Mark 11:20–21). Jesus then teaches that faith in God and prayer are to be marked by trust and forgiveness (Mark 11:22–25; cf. Matthew 21:21–22).
This sign reveals Jesus’ authority over nature: His spoken word brings about a real, observable change in creation. It also functions as a prophetic warning that fruitlessness—religious appearance without the substance God seeks—stands under divine judgment. Jesus not only performs the sign but interprets its meaning, calling His disciples to faith in God expressed through prayer and a forgiving heart.
In Mark’s account, it notes, “it was not the season for figs” (Mark 11:13). In the first-century context, a fig tree covered in leaves could suggest the presence of early, edible figs; the tree’s leafy appearance without fruit underscores the point of promise without fulfillment—a fitting backdrop for Jesus’ enacted parable about outward show lacking the fruit God desires.
“And Jesus answered them, ‘Have faith in God.’” — Mark 11:22
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. What did Jesus find on the fig tree when He came to it hungry?
2. According to Mark’s account, what did Peter notice about the fig tree the next day?