Weeping Over Jerusalem
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they were like the barren fig-tree that spread its pretentious branches
aloft, luxuriant in appearance, and beautiful to the eye, but upon which
Jesus found “nothing but leaves.”
The Jewish religion with its magnificent display of temple, sacred
altars, sacrificial pomp, mitred priests and impressive ceremonies, was
but a superficial covering under which pride, oppression and iniquity
held sway. The leaves were abundant and beautiful, but the tree bore
no goodly fruit. The next morning as they passed by the same orchard,
the disciples saw that the fig-tree which Jesus cursed was withered and
blasted from root to branch. Jesus presented to his disciples the true
condition of the Jews in this striking figure of the barren fig-tree; and,
as the tree withered beneath the Saviour’s blighting curse, and stood
forth sere and blasted, dried up by the roots, so should all pretentious
hypocrites be brought low.
The other trees in the fig-orchard were also destitute of fruit; but
their boughs were leafless, therefore they raised no expectations and
caused no disappointment. These leafless trees represented the Gen-
tiles, who made no boasts of superior piety. In them the words of the
scripture finds an application, “the time of figs was not yet.” But while
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the Jews in proud self-confidence stood forth assuming superiority
to all others, the Gentiles were in a measure feeling their want and
weakness, and longing for a better day, a clearer and more certain light
to guide their wandering footsteps.
The Jewish nation were outwardly religious, priding themselves
upon their sacred temple, the pomp of priests and the imposing cere-
monies of the morning and evening services, gorgeous synagogues and
sacrificial offerings. Here were abundant leaves, beautiful and bright,
to cover the hollow hypocrisy, malice, and oppression at the heart of all
this vain display. The Jews were privileged with the presence of Christ
manifested in the flesh. This inestimable blessing which God bestowed
upon them should have called forth their devout acknowledgments.
But in blind prejudice they refused the mercies offered them by Jesus.
His love was lavished upon them in vain, and they regarded not his
wondrous works. Sorrow fled at his approach; infirmity and deformity
were healed; injustice and oppression shrunk ashamed from his rebuke;
while death and the grave humbled themselves in his presence and
obeyed his commands. Yet the people of his choice rejected him and