A Word About Fig Trees
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series III, Cycle C
Fig trees are one of the most important plants in the Bible as they are mentioned over sixty times. Fig trees are tricky: they can be very fruitful or outright barren. Barren fig trees are used as symbols against justice and security and an absence of mercy. It is a curse used in describing the apocalypse. Sometimes those in exile are said to be "bad figs." They have not repented or have sinned and do not merit God's attention.
In southern Mexico the fig is a sign of hospitality. It is very common for someone to bring candied figs to a new neighbor. Boxed, sugared figs are sent as commonly as chocolates.
The fig tree itself is appealing to the eye: its leaves are large and palm-shaped. These leaves were large enough to provide coverage for the modest Adam and Eve. The leaves are still large enough to provide lots of shade in the hot days of summer.
The tree is quite bare in the winter when its leaves are shed. In early spring blooms cover the tree. The figs ripen in late spring and are ready for harvest from May through October.
The fruit of the tree is a fig: a green fruit that is very sweet. It can be eaten fresh off the tree or candied into sweet treats. It is made into cakes and can be chopped for use in many recipes. The fig is hearty, versatile, and readily available in stores today.
But in Jesus' time figs were a luxury. Fig trees afforded shade in the hot summer typical of Palestine. Fig trees need much cultivation and if the blossoms are blown off before the fruit develops, the tree will be bare. Figs were for the wealthy who could afford gardeners. They are mentioned several times in conjunction with vines: fig trees and vines are images for peace. Nations have used the image of a fig tree for security.
Is it possible that Jesus sees us as prized figs that need to be tended and carefully cultivated?
In southern Mexico the fig is a sign of hospitality. It is very common for someone to bring candied figs to a new neighbor. Boxed, sugared figs are sent as commonly as chocolates.
The fig tree itself is appealing to the eye: its leaves are large and palm-shaped. These leaves were large enough to provide coverage for the modest Adam and Eve. The leaves are still large enough to provide lots of shade in the hot days of summer.
The tree is quite bare in the winter when its leaves are shed. In early spring blooms cover the tree. The figs ripen in late spring and are ready for harvest from May through October.
The fruit of the tree is a fig: a green fruit that is very sweet. It can be eaten fresh off the tree or candied into sweet treats. It is made into cakes and can be chopped for use in many recipes. The fig is hearty, versatile, and readily available in stores today.
But in Jesus' time figs were a luxury. Fig trees afforded shade in the hot summer typical of Palestine. Fig trees need much cultivation and if the blossoms are blown off before the fruit develops, the tree will be bare. Figs were for the wealthy who could afford gardeners. They are mentioned several times in conjunction with vines: fig trees and vines are images for peace. Nations have used the image of a fig tree for security.
Is it possible that Jesus sees us as prized figs that need to be tended and carefully cultivated?
