Don’t Be A Hypocrite! (Lesson from the Fig Tree)

As Jesus walked along the road, He spotted a fig tree in the distance, lush with leaves. He approached it, only to find it barren — there was no fruit. In response, He spoke a word of judgment, and the tree immediately withered (Matthew 21:19). At first glance, this moment might seem harsh, but Jesus was teaching, as He so often did, through vivid, living parables.

The fig tree stood as a powerful symbol. It had all the outward signs of life, yet it was empty — promising fruit but bearing none. Jesus used this moment to reveal a sobering truth: A life that looks fruitful on the surface but bears no real spiritual fruit is destined for judgment. The Pharisees, with their religious showmanship, embodied this warning. (Ron Rhodes)