Did Jesus Ever Curse? Matthew 21:18-19

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. (Matthew 21:18, 19 NLT)
During the last week of Jesus' life He enters the capital city of Jerusalem to face his final rejection and crucifixion. On the way before He even had a chance to eat breakfast, He sees a tree with leaves but no fruit, curses it, and watches it die in front of Him. 

My first thought is, "Jesus take it easy man. I know it's early in the morning and you're hungry but seriously? Why you gotta take it out on this unsuspecting tree?"

And why all the hostility? This episode in Jesus' life seems very out of character compared to the meek, humble servant we're used to. Jesus doesn't come right out and answer the disciples' question (vs 19) about what happened -no shock there. In fact His answer is a little mysterious and almost dodges the question with a lesson about faith and prayer. However, His point that day was not giving His disciples permission to invent "name it claim it" theology. He was trying to illustrate something significant about what He was about to do. 

Just think about it. Jesus was heading to Jerusalem to willingly submit to be tortured and killed because a few dozen men, who clearly should have recognized Him, convinced themselves and the population that He was from satan. 

I mean, wouldn't you be a little upset? 

Also, remember Jesus doesn't do anything by accident. Even cursing this tiny tree had a symbolic purpose about God's own rejection of the entire nation of Israel, who had plenty of leaves but no fruit to show for it. 

Understandably, Jesus is transferring His frustration over the Scribes and Elders' rejection over to this tree and literally taking out His anger on it to make a point that willfully rejecting Him has very real and lasting consequences.

Did Jesus ever curse? You betcha! Not in the way you might think. But there's coming a day when those those who have rejected His offer of life will remain under the curse of sin for all eternity.

Still a few days later Jesus chose to die even for those He knew would reject Him. He also died  for you. It's really up to us whether we will choose to "bear fruit in keeping with repentance." 

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