The Budding Fig Tree

In Matthew 21:19, it is written: > "Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, 'May you never bear fruit again!' Immediately the tree withered." (▸ ± Matthew 21:19)

Sensus Plenior Interpretation

1. The Fig Tree as a Sign of the Cross

In the **sensus plenior**, the **fig tree** represents **the cross**. Jesus' action of cursing the tree points forward to His own **curse** on the cross, where He would be rejected, unfruitful, and cursed for humanity’s sin.

2. Jesus as Unfruitful and Cursed on the Cross

The **barrenness** of the fig tree mirrors **Christ's curse on the cross**. Just as the tree could bear no fruit, Jesus would appear unfruitful in the eyes of men, but His sacrifice would bear eternal fruit through His **death** and **resurrection**.

3. The End of Jesus' Teaching Ministry (Riddle)

The declaration that the fig tree would never bear fruit again symbolizes the **end of Jesus' earthly teaching** ministry. His death marks the end of His physical presence and teaching on earth, though His **spiritual message** would continue through His resurrection and the Holy Spirit.

4. Christ’s Death and the Inability to Teach

The curse on the fig tree also suggests that Jesus’ **death** would signify the **end of His physical ministry**, but through His resurrection, the **Gospel** would continue to spread and bear fruit.

Conclusion

In Matthew 21:19, the **fig tree** symbolizes **the cross**, where Christ was cursed for the sins of humanity. The tree’s unfruitfulness reflects Christ’s rejection, but His death would ultimately bear the fruit of salvation, fulfilling God’s plan for redemption.