Posted: Jan 05, 2012 12:23 pm
nunnington wrote:DodgyScouser wrote:Animavore wrote:He also killed fig trees
That story of the fig trees always bothered me, even when I was a believer. Jesus just seemed to be acting like a petulant little shit, and none of the waffly answers given by anyone at my church could gloss over the fact that he was acting like a petulant little shit.
Did no-one mention that the fig-tree could be a symbol for Israel, seen as barren and faithless, and not yielding fruit?
Yes, I think something along that line is the likely explanation. The passages appear within Mark 11:1-25.
The text goes:
1. (Mark 11:1-11) Jesus goes to Jerusalem. People cheer and call out "Hosanna!" --> Jerusalem appears inviting, with an appearance of ready to accept Jesus as king.
2. (Mark 11:12-14) Jesus is hungry and sees a fig tree covered with leaves --> the fig tree is inviting, with an appearance of having fruit even though it wasn't the season for fruit.
3. (Mark 11:12-14) But the fig tree, despite appearances, does not have fruit --> the fig tree is deceptive!
4. (Mark 11:15-18) Jesus goes into Jerusalem and overturns the tables in the Temple. Despite the friendly welcome earlier when people are shouting "Hosanna!", the elders plot to kill Jesus --> Jerusalem is deceptive!
5. (Mark 11:19-20) After leaving Jerusalem, the disciples notice that the fig tree has eventually withered.
If the passage is symbolic, then it seems to point towards the eventual fate of Jerusalem and its elders.