“When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. ‘How did the fig tree wither so quickly?’ they asked. Jesus replied, ‘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.”
- Matthew 21:20-22 -

After a night at Bethany, Jesus returned to the city. Matthew’s simplified version of the cursing of the fig tree shows Jesus’ genuine humanity. Seeking food, he curses the tree, causing it to wither instantly. This event symbolically enacts the withering of Judaism in rejection of its Messiah. Jesus does not develop this idea, however, but uses it as an opportunity to teach on the power of faith-filled prayer to move mountains. Implicitly, we readers are called to pray with faith.

Prayer: Gracious God, I desire above all else to seek and embrace your kingdom.

(from Encounter with God)