Why is the story of Jesus and the Fig Tree so important?

Doesn't this story imply Naturalist and/or Humanist philosophy? Clearly, Jesus spoke to the tree, expecting a response. Then he punishes the tree when there is no fruit the next day? Why is this story in the Gospels?



And...if, as some believe, the Church used an eraser on some of the scriptures over the years, why didn't they hit the delete key on this one?

Why is the story of Jesus and the Fig Tree so important?
God did not create the world to be a passive thing it has purpose and a dynamic one at that,the fig tree was not fulfilling it`s purpose by serving mankind,it constantly gave no fruit year after year and Jesus used this to show that man too had a responsibility to God and aone another to bring forth the fruit of love and service.
Reply:Please read the whole context of the fig tree:

Mark 11:12

12The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it. 15On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: " 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'[c]? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.'[d]"

18The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

19When evening came, they[e] went out of the city.

20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"

22"Have[f] faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."[g]



The story is to show the point that if you have a lot of faith that whatever you ask for in prayer will happen, then it will happen.

The church didn't use an eraser, they are called the Gnostic gospels.
Reply:The bible says we shall know them by the fruits they bare, a tree that does not bare anymore is a symbolic term to show that we as Christians must also go through the process of growing in the Lord %26amp; to produce the fruits of the spirits, If we hid it %26amp; we don't go on with more knowledge in the Word of God, Then we are useless in the kingdom of God.
Reply:Jesus used the fig tree to teach a lesson on faith and show His power over nature.
Reply:It was a metaphor for people who hear the word of God, but refuse to obey. Jesus won't exactly smite you just because, but he can think of some pretty clever ways to kick your butt.
Reply:It is important as Jesus didn't like fruit. He did however, like bell peppers.
Reply:well the reason why the story of jesus is so important is because it tells you that we would not be here if it was not for god and jesus because he died on the cross for our sins he did something for us so we could have eternal life
Reply:A fig tree is supposed to bear figs.

Israel was supposed to bear godly people.

A church is supposed to bear Christians.



Everything that does not bear fruit will be destroyed.



Its a warning!
Reply:I think Jesus is comparing the fig tree to the Jewish nation that did not bear fruit under the old covenate
Reply:Because the fig tree is us. We are to bear the fruits of Christ...if we do not, then we are not truly his followers and we will wither and die.



There is more to this...a fig tree's fruit comes before the leaves. When a fig tree has leaves...it has fruit. This one did not...it had leaves but no fruit. Understanding this is even more insightful. One who looks like a Christian (in name only)...but does not bear fruit...calls judgment down on himself.



The Church has never "erased" anything from the holy scriptures. The Church, through much discussion and prayer, chose those books which were divinely inspired. The Church would never change or delete anything from the Word of God. That would be dangerous.