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Explanation for:
Matthew
21
:
21
And Jesus answering, said to them: Amen, I say to you, if you shall have faith, and stagger not, not only this of the fig tree shall you do, but also if you shall say to this mountain, Take up and cast thyself into the sea, it shall be done.
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In order for you to understand that this was performed for the benefit of the disciples, specifically to uplift their spirits, pay attention to the following words. What does Christ proclaim? You too will accomplish remarkable wonders if your faith is intertwined with prayer and trust. Do you recognize that all of this was done for the disciples, so they would not be frightened or shaken by the schemes of the adversary? Therefore, He reiterates this message once more to strengthen them in their faith and devotion. Not only will you achieve this, He declares, but through the strength of faith and prayer, you will also be able to move mountains and perform even greater wonders."},{"author-name":"Ephraem the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88b589fc3e99eb7bb1839_Ephraem%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"If we consider the fig tree as a representation or embodiment, it would be more appropriate to state, “if you possess understanding,” rather than “if you have faith.” Hence, it was indeed a miracle rather than merely a symbol. The phrase “you will say to this mountain” is often interpreted to refer to the devil or similar entities. However, one might ask, what evil spirit could have been present when the Lord spoke these words? It is evident that the mountain was in proximity, as He ascended the Mount of Olives, where it is likely there was also a fig tree; to those observing the mountain, He proclaimed, \\"if you will say to this mountain, be removed and cast into the sea\\" (cf. Mk. 11:23). Should this mountain signify a demon, as some suggest, then the subsequent command to “cast into the sea” (Mk. 11:23) would apply to it as well. Yet, why would one cast out a demon by sending it into the sea? Perhaps this interpretation arises from the understanding that the Lord expelled demons similarly? It is indeed true that the Lord drove out demons and that these demons implored Him to permit their entry into the swine, but the Scriptures do not state that the Lord commanded them to be thrown into the sea. The rationale for the demons entering the swine was evident, as this miracle rapidly drew the city’s inhabitants to the Lord, who were unwilling to come to Him of their own accord. However, if this were the intent behind His words, why would He say, “If you say to this mountain, Go, cast into the sea”? This was precisely because He perceived their astonishment at the miracle of the withered fig tree, and thus He addressed them, “If you have faith and do not doubt...” (cf. Mk. 11:23), much like when He said to Nathanael, “If you believe, you will witness even greater wonders” (cf. Jn. 1:50). If you hold firm in your belief, the Lord will not only act upon this fig tree on this mountain, but the entire mountain along with all its trees will be uprooted and cast into the sea. To demonstrate that His word is life-giving and that He Himself is the source of life and judge, He withered the flourishing fig tree and restored the withered hand. The Scriptures do not assert that the Lord commanded the demons to plunge into the sea; they simply tell us that He permitted the demons to enter the herd of swine."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The Gentiles' dogs publicly decry you in their pages, which serve as a testament to their own malice, asserting that the apostles lacked faith due to their inability to move mountains. In response, we affirm that, according to the Gospel of John, the Lord performed numerous wonders, and had these been documented, the world itself could not contain the volumes Jn. 21:25. This is not to suggest that not a single cupboard or drawer could hold them, but rather that the enormity of these miracles and the world's unbelief render it incapable of enduring their significance. Thus, we maintain that the apostles accomplished the same, though it is not noted to prevent further opportunities for skeptics to voice their objections. Conversely, we pose the question: do they believe in the miracles that are documented? If we observe their disbelief, we rightly infer that their skepticism will extend to other miraculous accounts as well. This serves to highlight their position. As previously stated, we interpret the mountain as a symbol of the devil, who is arrogant and defiantly opposes his Creator; he is referred to by the prophet as a corrupt mountain. When he takes hold of the human soul, metaphorically putting down roots, he can indeed be cast into the sea by the apostles and those who follow their example—into realms that are salty, turbulent, and bitter, devoid of divine sweetness. This sentiment is echoed in the Psalms. Let us not be afraid when the earth is in upheaval and the mountains are submerged in the heart of the sea Psalm 45:2."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This realm resembles an unseen mountain harboring barren trees, a rugged and unforgiving landscape marked by abrupt cliffs, caves, and steep precipices—unsuitable for human dwellings, intended instead for wild creatures. There are no serene valleys for restful repose, only ascents and descents. It mirrors the struggle among humans who contend against the adversary, where some prevail and others succumb. The adversary is likened to a mountain, not due to his stature, unlike the holy angels, but rather because of the arrogance that swells within him; it is not his virtues that are steadfast, but rather the unyielding nature of his malice. Distance this mountain from the saints, who are enveloped in faith, hope, and love, where peaceful valleys are plentiful, and the refreshing springs of doctrine flow, where meadows are lush with the dew of divine grace, and the melodious birds of paradise herald the everlasting spring with their songs. Arise and cast yourself into the sea, which signifies this world, where the waters are brackish and unsuitable; in other words, humanity is corrupt and contributes nothing to the glory of God. Even the streams carrying the sweetest grace of the Spirit cannot cleanse them. Instead, their moral decay taints the pure rivers of grace that flow into the chaotic ocean of this world, rife with destructive conflicts among various spirits, where the strong dominate."},{"author-name":"Augustine of Hippo","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88950a5c988a4fc06c7ae_Augustine%20of%20Hippo.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"To convey this significant truth, the Lord engaged in prophetic action. With regard to the fig tree, His intention went beyond merely performing a miracle; He sought to impart a deeper understanding of what was to come. Numerous instances exist where He teaches and persuades us, even amid our resistance. First, we must consider the transgression of the tree for not producing fruit. Even if it failed to bear fruit at the designated time, specifically when the fruit is maturing, it could not be held culpable, as a tree lacks the senses to be guilty. Furthermore, as we learn from another Gospel writer addressing the same scene, it was not yet the season for gathering figs. Mark 11:13 notes that it was the period when the fig tree was adorned with tender leaves, which typically occurs prior to the ripening of the fruit. We recognize that the day of the Lord’s suffering was approaching, and we understand when that suffering occurred. To clarify this matter, the evangelist, whom we ought to trust, notes that the time for the fig tree to yield fruit had not yet arrived. \\n\\nIf the intended outcome had been solely to perform a miracle without any prophetic significance accompanying it, it would have been much more aligned with the Lord's compassionate nature to restore the withered tree to life. This aligns more closely with His actions of healing the sick, cleansing lepers, and raising the dead. Instead, in a manner that seems to contradict His customary mercy, He encounters a flourishing tree that is not yet bearing fruit since the time was not fully matured. Yet, rather than nurturing it, He causes it to wither. He indicates to those observing, “I take no pleasure in drying up the tree. My purpose here is to illustrate that my actions are not without reason, but rather to teach you that I am not cursing the tree nor punishing an insensible entity; instead, I aim to instill a sense of caution in you, so that you do not miss out on Christ when He calls. You should aspire to be present in the season of fruit-bearing, rather than merely observing the foliage.”\\n\\nIt is essential to remember a critical principle when interpreting Scripture: all that is conveyed must often be seen both literally and symbolically, with occasions that necessitate a combination of these approaches. Thus, Christ, wishing to educate us, envisions our call to produce fruit and presents a picture that is not a mere invention, but rather one that is commendable."},{"author-name":"Maximus the Confessor","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8951a1dea23713695271e_Maximus%20the%20Confessor.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":7,"exegesis-text":"What is the significance of the withered fig tree referred to in the Gospel (Matt. 21:18-21; Mk. 11:12-14), which may seem perplexing at first glance? Why does it represent excessive hunger when not in season for fruit? And why curse an emotionless object? The answer lies in the understanding that the Word of God, who carefully orchestrates all for humanity’s salvation, initially guided human existence through the law, which primarily consisted of physical observances. This was necessary as human nature, due to its ignorance and estrangement from the divine image, could not grasp the truth without symbolic representations. Then, in the fullness of time, the incarnate Word came to us, taking on flesh and a rational soul. As the divine Word, He directed human nature towards a spiritual and contemplative ministry, wishing that the shadow represented by the fig tree would not overshadow the revealed Truth. \\n\\nThis is why Scripture notes: Returning from Bethany to Jerusalem (Matthew 21:18; Mark 11:12); indicating that after the shadowy representation of the law, God the Word comes again to humankind through the flesh. Thus, when He returned and observed a fig tree only adorned with leaves (Matt. 21:18; Mark 11:13), He saw a representation of the law's physical ministry, which depended on unstable and fleeting traditions, comprised solely of temporary symbols and regulations. Upon encountering this ministry, bedecked like a fig tree in the outward appearance of the law's observances but devoid of fruit—meaning truth—He pronounced a curse, indicating it was unfruitful in nourishing the Word of God. Additionally, He decreed that truth should no longer be concealed under the reign of the images of the law. This eventually occurred when the legal façade, which existed only in external forms, completely withered away, along with the pride of the Jews.\\n\\nIt would have been unwise and untimely for the service of the law to mislead seekers after the truth when the fruits of righteousness had been revealed, compelling them to abandon the wholesome fruit of the Word. Therefore, the Holy Scripture states: It was not the time for gathering figs (Mk. 11:13); illustrating that the period dominated by the law was not when the fruits of righteousness could flourish. Rather, it represented a shadow of the true fruits, pointing toward future divine and ineffable grace intended for all, without which earlier generations perished from disbelief. The divine Apostle indicates that Israel, in its pursuit of the shadowy law of righteousness, failed to attain the true righteousness of the law (Rom. 9:31) as manifested in the Spirit according to Christ.\\n\\nMoreover, the multitude of priests, scribes, lawyers, and Pharisees, consumed by vanity, believed they were revealing the truth through their self-constructed moralities, which they piously embraced, feeding their arrogance with hubris. Scripture characterizes this arrogance as a barren fig tree, vibrant only in leaves. The Lord, who desires the salvation and worship of all, curses it to wither, turning them from self-righteousness towards genuine virtue, as He longs for them to live righteously, showcasing the true disposition of their hearts before God rather than mere external conformity to societal standards. For those among us who may display outward propriety without the fruits of righteousness, we must remain vigilant. The compassionate Word of God, in His yearning for our salvation, may dry up the root of evil within—the prideful self—so it no longer yields the corrupt fruit of self-righteousness. This, then, is my humble interpretation of the message. From this, we can discern how the Lord rightly desires, wisely curses the fig tree, and aptly allows it to dry, whether referring to the old tradition of physical symbols from the law or the conceit of the Pharisees and ourselves."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The promise of Christ to His followers is indeed remarkable: we have the ability to move mountains if we do not waver in doubt, fully believing in God's power to grant our requests. One might wonder: what happens if I seek something detrimental while mistakenly believing that God will grant it to me? How could a divine Being respond to a request that would harm me? Consider this. When discussing faith, it is crucial to understand it as authentic faith—true trust in God—and prayer should always be directed towards beneficial requests, as the Lord instructed: ‘Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’ among other teachings. Additionally, pay close attention to the phrase ‘doubt not.’ A person who is truly aligned with God, remaining in unity with Him, would never request something harmful. Therefore, if we maintain our inseparable bond with God, we will naturally seek only what is good, and we shall receive it."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"In the seventeenth chapter, He reiterated a similar message (Matt. 17:20), which provides clarity for understanding this passage. In the Gospel of Mark (Mk. 11:23), it is written that Jesus proclaimed, 'Whoever says to this mountain, \\"Be removed and cast into the sea,\\" and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be fulfilled for him.' Here, doubt is described as contemplation. The mountain symbolizes the adversary due to his pride, while the sea represents the abyss, or hell."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus responded to them, Truly I tell you, if you possess faith without hesitation or doubt, you will not only perform the same acts that were accomplished with the tree, but even if you were to command this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' it will happen, in accordance with your faith."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In His response, without directly addressing the disciples' inquiry regarding the withering of the fig tree—meaning how He caused it to wither through His divine authority as the Son of God—Jesus teaches His followers that they too can perform such miracles and even greater ones, as stated in John 14:12. This is attainable through unwavering faith in Him, as highlighted in Matthew 17:20, a faith that empowers them to receive what they seek in their prayers. The illustration of the mountain demonstrates that steadfast faith can conquer all, surpassing even the most formidable challenges. Though it may not be required for the mountain to be physically cast into the sea, the possibility remains for His followers to achieve remarkable acts, such as healing the gravely ill or driving out demons."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Jesus spoke about the strength of belief, stating, “Do not marvel that the fig tree is withered.” He assured them, “Truly I tell you, if you possess unwavering faith without any doubt, you will achieve greater things than what I did with the fig tree. Your steadfast faith can overcome any obstacles you face while doing God’s will, and should it be required for a mountain to be uprooted and thrown into the sea, know that even this seemingly impossible miracle can be accomplished.”\\n\\nRegarding miraculous deeds, skeptics often question why neither Jesus nor His Apostles moved a mountain. The One who could restore a decaying body, who commanded the storms and waves, who healed every ailment with His word, and who rose from the dead certainly had the ability to shift mountains if there was a need for it. The miraculous authority was granted to the Apostles, who indeed performed wonders, as illustrated in the Acts of the Apostles attributed to Luke. However, this power was not intended for entertainment or to satiate curiosity but was designated to accomplish God’s purpose; it was not God’s will for them to move mountains, and they did not pursue such a miracle.\\n\\nIt is vital to clarify that the Apostles and other holy individuals did not perform miracles by their own strength; they acted through God’s power. Miracles were accomplished by God through their prayers, for He alone embodies omnipotence. The Apostles received this miraculous authority when sent to preach, yet they faced failure in curing the boy possessed by demons due to a lack of unwavering faith in the omnipotent One who bestowed their power (Matthew 17:19; Mark 9:28). Should James and John have attempted to call down fire from heaven upon the inhospitable Samaritans (Luke 9:54), it seems that fire would not have fallen, as Jesus indicated their miraculous power was meant for benevolence, not retribution.\\n\\nThis leads to the understanding that only God fulfills miracles—the Divine acts at His will and through the petitions of those who are particularly righteous and holy. It is worth mentioning miracle-working icons, as some individuals mistakenly believe that the icon itself performs miracles. This belief is both incorrect and perilous. It is erroneous because icons, as representations of Christ, the Mother of God, or saints, lack omnipotent power over nature. It is dangerous because it can lead to the veneration of icons as deities. Honoring sacred icons is not sinful, contrary to the misguided views of some sectarians. However, if one believes that it is the icon itself, rather than God, who performs miracles through the prayers of the faithful, then this would infringe upon the second commandment given at Sinai.\\n\\nGod accomplishes many miracles through the appeals of people, even sinful ones, daily and continuously. Yet, we often overlook them or fail to recognize them as divine grace, seeing them as mundane occurrences. Only public miracles, unmistakable and visible to all, capture our attention. Consequently, the Lord performs them before particularly revered icons, known as miraculous, to remind sinful humanity of His compassion and to draw them closer to Himself."},{"author-name":"Lopuchin A.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c891400ee1341634d2276d_Lopuchin%20A.P..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"When the disciples showed their astonishment at the effectiveness of their Master's words, He imparted a lesson on the strength of faith. Faith is incredibly powerful; in fact, if one who possesses it commands a mountain to move and be thrown into the sea, it will happen. \\"And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer in faith, ye shall receive.\\""}]}
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