Picking up where we left off, I want to continue to focus on the idea that the symbol of the fig tree was fully intertwined with the Roman citizen’s concept of Rome itself. It was on their money, engraved on walls and depicted in tapestries. In that culture, it was as synonymous with Rome as Romulus or the Palatine Hill.

I find it amazing how this one fact can change our perception of an entire passage so drastically.

Let me explain.

Christ rebukes a fig tree for not producing any fruit to feed him, and the fig tree withers. According to Matthew, the withering is immediate. According to Mark, they don’t notice it until the next day, but it withers from the roots up. Also interesting to note is that according to Mark it wasn’t fig season. There are a number of reasons for these differences, but I will get to that later.

Here’s why I find this all so fascinating:

It was common understanding in Roman society that all good things came from Rome. It was Rome that brought you peace - Pax Romana, as we have heard it called - and it was Rome that provided you with all your sustenance. It was thanks to Rome that you survived.

Yet here we have the writers of these Gospels depicting a fig tree - one of the prominent symbols of Rome’s empire and prosperity - as wholly incapable of providing any sustenance whatsoever.

I can imagine the original audiences who read these stories were awestruck by the authors’ audacity.

You see, the first message that this narrative communicated to its original audience was that Rome was not the source of their food. It was not Rome that would sustain them or satiate their hunger.

That is huge. That is beyond audacious.

Honestly, it makes me take a step back and question where I think my sustenance comes from.

What about you? Are you looking to God to provide your food and clothing and rent money, or do you look to your employer? Perhaps the economy, or the machine of consumerism?

Where does that money in your bank account really come from? Does it come from your job, or is it perhaps God providing for you?

If you were to lose your job tomorrow, would God continue to provide for your every need or would you find yourself hopelessly cut off from the economic provision of our society?

Just a few thoughts.

Until tomorrow, superfriends. Keep safe and don’t smoke drugs.