If Jesus had power to kill the fig tree, why...

The morning after His triumphant entry into Jerusalem, Jesus is hungry as he and his disciples walk from Bethany where they spent the night. Seeing a fig tree a ways off, as they approach they find leaves but no fruit (figs) on the tree.

Mark 11:14 And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter forever. And His disciples heard it.

If Jesus had power to kill the tree, why didn't He use that power to make it produce fruit? Because He wanted to teach us two important lessons: Failure and Faith.

In the Old Testament the fig tree is associated with the nation of Israel. They had failed to be fruitful for God. Like the fig tree Jesus cursed, Israel had "nothing but leaves". They dispersed, never to be a nation again intil 1948. However, God will save a remnant of them.

The next morning when the disciples noticed the dead tree, Jesus said, "Have faith in God", meaning, constantly trust in God.

Mark 11:24 Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

When life throws things at us, do we fall apart or do we have faith in God? The Bible also says that we also must be in the will of God, and abide in Him to expect answers.

Are we producing leaves or fruit?