Show Don't Tell: Matthew 21:18-22

Instead of saying "Jesus cursed a fig tree," watch it wither overnight. Early in the morning, Jesus is hungry. He sees a fig tree by the road, goes up to it—nothing but leaves. Plenty of show, no fruit. He says: "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withers. The disciples are amazed: "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" This isn't about breakfast. The fig tree represents Israel—beautiful leaves, no fruit. The temple cleansing yesterday, the cursing today. Jesus teaches: "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Faith produces fruit. Fruitlessness invites judgment.