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| In '''Matthew 24:32''', Jesus says: | | 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." ({{bgw|Matthew 21:19}}) |
| > "Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near." ({{bgw|Matthew 24:32}}) | |
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| == Sensus Plenior Interpretation == | | == Sensus Plenior Interpretation == |
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| === 1. The Cross as a "Lie" === | | === 1. The Fig Tree as a Sign of the Cross === |
| The **cross** appears as a **"lie"** because, in the world’s view, it depicts the **innocent Christ** as guilty. To the world, Jesus was condemned unjustly and falsely accused. His **innocence** stands in stark contrast to the accusation of guilt, and this paradox forms a **riddle** of God's salvation plan.
| | 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. |
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| However, the apparent **"lie"** of the cross is the very **truth** that will be revealed. Christ’s crucifixion, while seeming like a failure and injustice, is the moment when **God's plan of salvation** is being fulfilled through the **death of the innocent Son of God** on behalf of the guilty world.
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| === 2. The Fig Tree as the Cross ===
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| In the **sensus plenior**, the '''fig tree''' represents the **cross**. The tender twigs of the fig tree, which signify the arrival of summer, point to the moment when Christ’s death on the cross, which seemed like a **lie** in human eyes, will give way to the revelation of the **truth** in His resurrection. The cross, though it appeared as an accusation of guilt, is the means by which Christ takes on the sin of the world, proving that the **truth** was hidden in the **"lie"**. | |
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| === 3. Twigs and Branches as Descendants of Israel === | | === 2. Jesus as Unfruitful and Cursed on the Cross === |
| The '''twigs and branches''' of the fig tree represent the **descendants of Israel**, who, like the world, misunderstood the **truth** of Christ's **innocence** on the cross. The tender twigs point to the moment when Israel will recognize the **truth** hidden in the cross and acknowledge Christ as their **Savior**. | | 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**. |
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| === 4. Summer as Death and Resurrection === | | === 3. The End of Jesus' Teaching Ministry (Riddle) === |
| '''Summer''' in this context represents the **death** and **resurrection** of Christ. The cross, which seemed like a **lie** (a **guilty** man being executed), would ultimately bring about the **harvest** of souls—believers who recognize the **truth** of Christ’s sacrifice.
| | 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. |
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| == Summary == | | === 4. Christ’s Death and the Inability to Teach === |
| * The **cross** appears as a **"lie"** to the world, portraying the **innocent** Christ as **guilty**.
| | 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. |
| * The **fig tree** symbolizes the cross, and the tender twigs represent the moment of the **revelation of truth**.
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| * The **"lie"** of Christ’s death is actually the **truth** of God’s salvation plan, revealed through His resurrection.
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| * The **twigs and branches** represent Israel’s recognition of the **truth** of Christ’s death and resurrection.
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| * **Summer** signifies the **death** and **resurrection** of Christ, which brings about the harvest of souls.
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| Thus, '''Matthew 24:32''' teaches that what appears as a **lie** in the world—Christ’s innocent death on the cross—actually reveals the **truth** of God’s redemptive plan, a truth that will ultimately bring about the harvest of salvation for many.
| | == 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. |
