The Fig Tree

 

The Fig Tree

by Fr. Claudio Doglio (Translated by L. Pavese)

The fig tree is the first plant named in the Bible. In fact, it is the only real plant indicated by name in the garden of the origins, planted by God, where it is said that the man and woman – after having discovered their nudity – felt ashamed and covered themselves by fashioning a belt with fig leaves (cf. Gen 3,7).

However, the leaves of the fig tree itch, so it would be bothersome to wear them, especially if they rubbed one’s private parts. Therefore, since the beginning, the biblical story shows us how Man’s own attempts to remedy the damage he caused are silly and impractical ideas. The Lord would eventually intervene with a merciful gesture, by making "garments of skins for the man and for his wife" (Gen 3,21). Divine mercy intervened to cover Adam and Eve's lack of trust that ruined humankind.

The fig tree is a very common plant in Palestine. One could say that there isn’t a home without one. It is a shrub that originated in Syria. The ancients grew and cultivated it for its delicious fruits. It is not, in fact, a spontaneous plant that produces the fruit as we know it. The fig tree is the result of a careful application of human knowledge, that developed its better characteristics thanks to particular grafts. From Syria, the fig tree propagated throughout all the eastern regions, spreading also to Egypt and reaching the Greek and the Roman world.

However, the fig tree remains primarily Israel’s characteristic plant. “Being under the fig” means resting. It is a tree that with its wide shade offers protection from the strong heat of the Orient and has become a symbol of rabbinical tradition. “Under the fig” one studies the Law, that is, one meditates the Word of God, because that is a peaceful and protected place.

When Jesus tells Nathanael of Cana that He had seen him shortly before under the fig tree, Jesus is probably referring to a moment of worship or reflection; a moment in which Nathanael, studying the Law, was thinking about the meaning of his life. And realizing that Jesus recognized him in that deep and personal state untwines him and makes him declare that Jesus is the Son of God, and the King of Israel (cfr. John 1,47-51).

The fig tree appears a few times in the gospels, and Jesus uses it as an image in His parables as an example of wisdom (“Learn a lesson from the fig tree…” Mark 13,28//Matthew 24,32), exhorting people to recognize the signs of the time. In fact, the fig tree is the last plant to sprout, which is different from, for example, the almond tree, which is called “vigilant” in Hebrew because it’s the first to awaken and flowers very early.  The fig tree is the tardiest one and, when its branches become tender, when it sprouts its buds and begins to flower, it is already warm, and summer is near.

Jesus’s exhortation to “learn from the fig tree” reminds people of these facts and contextualizes them: “When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, know that He (the Son of Man) is near, at the gates.” (Mark 13,29 // Matthew 24,33). It is an exhortation to be wise; to invite the disciples to realize that He, Jesus is already present among them.

However, the most sensational of Jesus’ acts took place a few days before His Passion, when – going from Bethany to Jerusalem – He found a large fig tree on the Mount of Olives, which was covered with leaves but without a single fruit. The episode is set shortly before Easter and, therefore, it was natural that there were no figs because they are summer fruits. Nevertheless, that “poor” plant becomes the object of a symbolic act. First the Lord cursed it – "May no one ever eat of your fruit again!" And his disciples heard it.” (Mark 11,14). Then, after entering the temple and having seen all that busy and animated religious activity, He sternly scorned it and cursed it; because, like the fig tree, it was only apparently thriving, but its substance was sterile.

The day after, “early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots.” (Mark 11,20). In one day, it had dried up, without even one leaf left.  And a fig tree without leaves is an awful sight, because it truly resembles a skeleton.

Then the awe-struck disciples told Jesus: “Look! Your words work! You said something and it became true!” But what was the purpose of that symbolic gesture? It was to make the disciples understand that the temple was like a tree loaded with leaves but without fruit. Like a religious structure that was only appearance without substance.

Jesus’ words against the temple will become reality forty years later, with the destruction of the city of Jerusalem and its sanctuary. The fig tree had by then become a symbolic tool, by which Jesus wanted to show how efficacious His word is. If it is a good word, it works for good; but if it is a reproach, it works as well!

The fig tree appears also in the last book of the Bible. The book of the Apocalypse says that “The stars in the sky fell to the earth like unripe figs shaken loose from the tree in a strong wind.” (Rev 6,13). A storm that violently shakes the tree can drop to the ground all the figs, which break and are ruined. It is the image the apocalyptic author uses to describe the end of the world. The whole of creation is destined to end in the same way.

Therefore, the fig tree, so simple and humble, the typical tree of the peasantry, marks the beginning and the end of history, showing us the path to redemption, the way to make a needed change, the way of listening to the Word of God.

The way necessary to bear authentic fruits.

This post is a translation, from Italian, of a chapter of Fr. Claudio Doglio's book  Il Giardino di Dio (The Garden of God), published in Italy by Effatà Editrice. 

Fr. Doglio was ordained in 1985. He achieved his doctorate in Biblical Theology at the Pontificia Università Gregoriana. After carrying out his duties in various position in the Diocese of Savona, is now the pastor of a parish in Varazze (SV). He's the author of numerous biblical studies, and teaches at the Theological Faculties of Northern Italy of Genoa and Milan. 

If you understand Italian, you will find his video commentaries of the books of the Old Testament invaluable. They are all available on YouTube. 

The first picture in this post is a detail of a mosaic in the Cathedral of Trani (BT) Italy. The second one is taken from an illustrated 17th century Arabian manuscripts of the Gospels.

A special thank to Janice Jenkins who reviewed my English text.

May a plant in your garden, or on your balcony, point to you the way to God. 

You comments will be greatly appreciated. 

Thank you,

Leonardo Pavese