The Prostitute Fig Tree

At the risk of having my blog blocked as an inappropriate site, I chose this title which fits one of Dictionary.com's definitions of prostitute, defined as "to put to any base or unworthy use."
  
The scriptures speak of an event in the life of the Savior as He enters Jerusalem and encounters a certain fig tree. The verses read:

"Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he hungered.

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

 And when the disciples saw it, they marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig tree withered away!" (Matthew 21: 18-20).


There are several interesting doctrines springing forth from the Savior's comments on this poor fig tree.

The Bible Dictionary tells us that fig trees develop differently from other trees. "The tree is one of the earliest to show its fruitbuds, which appear before the leaves; thus a fig tree with leaves would be expected to also have fruit. Jesus’ cursing the fig tree for its fruitlessness (Mark 11:12–13, 20–23) was an allusion to the fruitlessness of Israel. The time when the leaves appear indicates that summer is 'nigh at hand.'" 

Fig trees, and particularly fig leaves, wherever you see them, symbolize fruitfulness. Adam and Eve were given the commandment to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth" (Genesis 1:28). After Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit, "they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (Genesis 3: 7). This was to serve as a covering, but also it represented God's will that they be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth. Fruitfulness also applies to good works. 

The hapless fig tree produced neither fruit, and thus becomes cursed and cut off to those eternal blessings. Of course this is purely symbolic. The fig tree obviously is not capable of transgressing any law. But this innocent fig tree becomes a counterfeit, immoral, prostitute tree as it imitates the sacred reproductive act merely by displaying leaves, but in reality nothing is produced. 

Jesus desires to be in the everyday details of our lives. He wants nothing more than to make life fruitful, rich, and rewarding. In modern times He has quoted from His own Olivet Discourse. In the Doctrine and Covenants we read, 

"And when the light shall begin to break forth, it shall be with them like unto a parable which I will show you—

 Ye look and behold the fig trees, and ye see them with your eyes, and ye say when they begin to shoot forth, and their leaves are yet tender, that summer is now nigh at hand" (D&C 45: 36-37). 

The light breaking forth is the restoration of His gospel. He invites us to take full advantage of it and reap great harvests before the summer is ended. Tomorrow begins the summer months and marks an opportunity to be grateful for bounteous blessings.  "The Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days" (D&C 64: 34).