In the Bible: Mark 11:12-26
Jesus entered Jerusalem, and went straight to the temple. He looked all around, but decided to leave with his disciples to go to Bethany for the night.
The next morning, as they left Bethany, Jesus was hungry. He spotted a fig tree full of leaves but, as he approached, discovered that the tree had no fruit (it was not in season).
He said to the fig tree, in front of his disciples, "Nobody will ever eat from your branches again."
Parable of the Fig Tree fact:
Fig trees can grow up to 100 feet high. Their fruit (called figs), contain up to 50% sugar.
As they arrived at Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple. There were all kinds of merchants selling things like doves for sacrifice. He knew the merchants were dealing dishonestly with the public and with each other. Jesus fashioned a whip, began overturning tables, and drove the merchants out of the temple area.
As they ran out, Jesus shouted, "Is it not written: My house shall be called a house of prayer? But you have made it a den of thieves!"
Parable of the Fig Tree fact:
In 2 Kings 20, King Hezikiah was healed using a remedy made from figs.
The pharisees heard Jesus, and began conspiring together as to how they could kill him because they were afraid of him. The crowds also saw, and were amazed at his teaching.
The next morning, as Jesus and his disciples left Jerusalem, they saw the fig tree Jesus had spoken to the day before, withered and dried right to the roots. Peter exclaimed, "Look Lord! The fig tree you cursed yesterday!"
Jesus answered, "Have faith in God."
Parable of the Fig Tree fact:
Figs are high in iron, calcium, potassium, and fiber. Medicinally, they are used as a diuretic and a laxative.
He pointed to the mountain in the distance, "I tell you the truth, if you say to this mountain, 'Crumble into the sea' and believe in your heart that it will happen, you will have whatever you ask for."
He continued, "So whenever you pray, believe you will receive what you ask for, and it will be yours."
