Challenge Answers - Ears to Hear, Lesson of the Fig Tree

Good Evening to All!

The answers to the Bible Challenge "Ears to Hear" are as follows:

1. b) Jacob (Genesis 35:4)
2. d) a slave who intentionally forfeited freedom. (Exodus 21:5-6)
3. b) to melt them and forge a golden calf (Exodus 32:2-4)
4. a) cursing (Leviticus 19:14)
5. idols and their makers (Psalm 115:4-8)
6. b) Ezekiel (Ezekiel 33:32)
7. b) by putting His fingers in the man's ears and speaking a command (Mark 7:33-35)
8. Garden of Gethsemane ( (Matt. 26:36-51, Mark 14:32-47, John 18:10)
9. c) faith (Romans 10:17)
10. d) speak/wrath (James 1:19)

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Did you know, according to my reference Bible, a Fig tree can grow to be as tall as 300 feet.

Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, Jesus was hungry. 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.

When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked.

Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, 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 21:18-22
This is what a withered fig tree looks like.

I have never really understood until now why Jesus got so upset over the fig tree not having any fruit on it. The reference in the New King James says that Jesus desired to eat of the fig tree one more time before he died, but could not. That explains why he was so disappointed. It also says that "immediately" does not necessarily mean instantly; it may have the idea of "very soon".

The withering fig tree illustrates God's judgment on unbelieving Israel, but also became a means for Jesus to teach His disciples that faith works miracles and is the basis for answered prayer.


The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer. Psalm 6:9

Good Night to All and May God Bless!