While researching the events for my “Gospel according to Joe”
Part 1
Part 2
I found a rather odd little incident that happens in the week leading up to the cruxifixion
Feeling hungry Jesus sees a fig tree. On approaching it he finds that figs are out of season, and so the tree is bare of fruit. So what does he do. Does the man who is supposed to be the son of God (who would be the reason the tree is out of season) say “Oh dear”?
No, he throws a hissy fit and curses the tree which then dies- either that day (Matthew 21:19) or the next day (Mark 11:12) depending on which gospel you read- saying that no one will ever eat its fruit again.
Wha…? The Lamb of God, Saviour of Mankind, Mr Forgiveness, throws a temper tantrum?
Last Hussar's Barracks 
I’ve always found this story a bit peculiar too. It’s amusing to see how Christian apologetics try to make sense of it. For instance, found by googling “jesus fig tree”: “What important truth does the parable illustrate? Scholars have different opinions. Some say Jesus was illustrating the principle of faith to the disciples. If the disciples had such faith, they too could do such things as withering fig trees and moving mountains (Matthew 17:20). They would need such faith in the hard days to come.”
Now, I can imagine the potential usefulness, not to mention the conversation stopping value, of being able to move mountains. But somehow it’s difficult for me to picture circumstances under which the ability to wither fig trees would be of much practical value. Maybe this lack of imagination is why I’m not a Christian…
I’m a little bemused that
a. He didn’t know the fig tree was outa season. I thought this sorta trivial knowledge woulda been a doddle for the son of god – these days of course he’s AKA god him self but that’s another subject.
b. If he had the power to wither it would he not also have had the power to fruiterise it? I mean. He’s god and this sorta thing should be a walk in the park.
What- and use his divine powers for profit?
So maybe Jesus has a temper problem. Hmm… Maybe this is what has caused chaos and carnage throughout history? Jesus gets pissed and doesn’t get his way so he takes it out on us.
Makes you wonder what was cut from the early parts of the Gospels
Don’t want smelly Frankencense- I want Roman Centurion Action figure with Gripping hands and Gladius. WAAAAAHHHHHH.
Feeling a little proud (for no good reason) as ‘Petulant Jesus’ on Google gives this thread as number 1 thread. Even now a Baptist hit squad is bearing down on me.
‘Right that’s it Jesus,’ said Mary ‘off to the naughty step with you!’
‘But….’
‘No buts. 40 days and 40 nights. That’ll learn you.’
Webs: So maybe Jesus has a temper problem.
Like father like son.
Read, read, read your text: the tree is the only part of creation that did not respond to Jesus: fish dug up money, they also obeyed for a great draught, and untaimed young donkeys tamed themselves for the master.
By the way, the tree died of itself, “may no one eat from your again” is hardly a call to die.
But then, you shall die in yours sins is hardly something most of you want to consider.
Are you saying a tree has enough free will to refuse the command of the avatar of an omnipotent deity? That it had the ability to bear fruit at will, then chose not to?