Mark 11:20
And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.
Mark 11:20 (KJV)
Context
The previous day, as Jesus and His disciples traveled from Bethany toward Jerusalem, He saw a fig tree in leaf and went to it, but found nothing except leaves, for the time of figs had not yet come. He then said to the tree, “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever,” and His disciples heard Him (Mark 11:12-14). Now, on the following morning, as they passed by the same place, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. The phrase “dried up from the roots” emphasizes that the entire tree had withered completely, not merely its leaves or branches. The disciples did not witness the withering happen; they saw its full effect the next day. This detail is confirmed in Matthew 21:20, where the disciples marveled, asking how the fig tree withered so quickly.
Meaning
This verse records the visible, complete result of Jesus’ spoken word. The tree did not simply lose its leaves; it was dried up from the roots, showing that the curse had taken full effect. The disciples’ observation sets the stage for Peter’s astonished remark in Mark 11:21, “Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away!” Their amazement is understandable, for they had seen Jesus heal the sick and cast out demons, but here His word alone caused a living tree to wither overnight. This event was not a random display of power; it was an enacted lesson, a visible sign that pointed to deeper truths about faith, prayer, and spiritual fruitfulness.
Biblical connections
The fig tree is often understood as a symbol of Israel. Just as the tree had leaves, giving the appearance of life and fruitfulness, Israel outwardly displayed religious devotion, yet it lacked genuine spiritual fruit. Jesus’ curse and the tree’s withering serve as a warning against mere outward religiosity without true faith. This connection is reinforced in John 15:1-8, where Jesus describes Himself as the true vine and His followers as branches that must abide in Him to bear fruit. The withered fig tree illustrates the consequence of a life that appears faithful but produces no real fruit for God.
Jesus also used this incident to teach His disciples about faith and prayer. In Mark 11:22-24, He responds to Peter’s amazement by saying, “Have faith in God,” and then teaches that whoever says to this mountain, “Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. He adds, “What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” The withered fig tree stands as a vivid illustration of the power of faith and believing prayer, showing that God responds to genuine trust in Him.
Application
This verse challenges us to examine our own lives. Do we have the outward appearance of faith while lacking the reality of it? The fig tree had leaves, which promised fruit, but it produced none. In the same way, our lives may look religious on the outside, yet if we are not bearing spiritual fruit, our faith is hollow. Jesus desires that we bear fruit that glorifies God, fruit that flows from a living relationship with Him. This calls for honest self-examination, asking whether our prayers are marked by genuine faith and whether our daily walk reflects the transforming power of Christ.
Reflection
The disciples saw the fig tree dried up from the roots, and they were astonished. Their reaction reminds us that the power of Jesus’ word is real and active. The same Jesus who spoke and the tree withered is the One who speaks to our hearts today. His word brings life, but it also brings judgment where there is no fruit. As we meditate on this verse, let us ask the Lord to make our faith genuine, our prayers believing, and our lives fruitful, so that we do not merely have leaves, but bear fruit that remains.
