Fig Tuesday: Having Faith Without Doubt, The Importance of Prayer, and God’s Forgiveness

The majority of Christians are familiar with the names Good Friday and Palm Sunday, yet not many are aware of a crucial day that falls in between known as Fig Tuesday. At first glance, this day may seem inferior to the infamous events of the days previously mentioned; however, the message behind this story is very relevant and impactful to the Easter story and the modern day. This story introduces themes of unwavering faith, the importance of prayer, and the promise of forgiveness to those who forgive. After reading each of the gospel’s perspectives of this story, Mark’s portrayal of Jesus’ interaction with the fig tree seemed to resonate the most.

The story begins after Jesus and the disciples complete the journey from Bethany to Jerusalem craving food. They see a fig tree in the distance and approach it hoping to satisfy their hunger. Yet, they are disappointed when they find no fruit on the tree. The disciples overhear Jesus saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again,” (Mark 11:14). The disciples are taken aback the next morning when they observe that the tree has withered away to its roots. Peter addressed Jesus with concern that the tree He had cursed was now withered. Jesus responded, “Have faith in God, Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins,” (Mark 11:22-26). This impactful statement addresses the themes of faith without doubt, the power of prayer, and the importance of forgiveness.

Many believe that Jesus used this interaction with the fig tree to teach His disciples a lesson about the importance of unwavering faith in God as they entered into one of the greatest trials of their lives. Jesus knew that within the next few days, the disciples would experience immense persecution for their faith and most likely feel doubt in their teacher. Yet, He hoped that the disciples would remember His words about the importance of faith without doubt as they entered into the tribulations of the following days.

We will all face trials in our own lives, but it is important to remember Jesus’ words to the disciples as we experience difficult times. Although it may be challenging to maintain faith throughout the business of life and the hardships that will come, Jesus reminds us that his love and power are unfailing and true.

Furthermore, doubt is inevitable, but we must remember that steadfast faith is more reliable than whatever the world may promise. It is crucial to recognize that amidst the hardships we will face, God is willing and eager to rely on him. He has granted us the incredible gift of prayer that many overlook, but it is essential that we turn to Him amidst difficult times as opposed to seeking comfort from the world. Many argue that one of the hardest actions to carry out is forgiving those who have wronged us. However, we must recognize our own sins and realize the unimaginable and unfailing grace that God bestows each and every day. This may seem unachievable, but through prayer and a strong relationship with Christ, a similar forgiveness can be applied to those who have wronged us in our own lives.

So, to the reader, throughout Holy Week we challenge you to set aside an extra allotted time in your day and dedicate it to Christ through prayer while recognizing your own sin and the immense forgiveness that God has given you. We encourage you to display an act of forgiveness to someone whom you feel called to during this time. Our hope is that through this you will develop a stronger relationship with Christ and unwavering faith in Him while remembering the substantial suffering that he took on during this week many years ago.

This painting is called The Tears of St. Peter created by Greek painter and sculptor, El Greco, in the late 16th century. We chose this painting because of St. Peter’s apparent distress and longing for forgiveness from Christ after he denied Him three times. St. Peter represents the incredible power of prayer and the importance of forgiving others so you too may be forgiven.

Poetry