Holy Week Tuesday Devotion| Mystery of the Fig Tree
- Karen O'Reilly
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 38 minutes ago
Holy Tuesday invites us to slow down and reflect on Jesus’s final days before the cross. Each step He took, each word He spoke, was intentional—and filled with purpose.
Today’s passage might catch us off guard. Jesus, hungry and on His way to Jerusalem, approaches a fig tree full of leaves. But when He finds no fruit, He curses it—and by the next day, the tree is completely withered. It seems like a small, passing moment in the Holy Week story… but it holds a powerful lesson.
Every year, I look forward to reading the Holy Week Tuesday devotion and remembering the mystery of the Fig tree!
Let’s take a closer look at The Mystery of the Fig Tree—and what it reveals about our faith, our fruitfulness, and our hearts.
Tuesday of Holy Week Devotional | Mystery Of The Fig Tree
Read Mark 11:12-25 NIV:
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. 15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” 18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.
19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples went out of the city. 20 In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21 Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” 22 “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “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. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Mystery Of The Fig Tree
Today’s passage reveals an unexpected lesson from a fig tree.
Jesus, on His way to Jerusalem, sees a fig tree with leaves and expects to find fruit. But when He finds no fruit, He curses the tree—and later, the disciples find it withered from the roots.
At first, this might seem puzzling, but let’s dig deeper.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
Fig trees in spring should have both leaves and fruit—but this tree had only leaves. It appeared healthy, but its lack of fruit proved otherwise.
Jesus used the fig tree to symbolize false appearances—it looked productive but wasn’t.
Spiritual Application:
The fig tree represents people (or even churches) that appear to be fruitful but lack true faith and obedience to God.
Jesus also teaches in this passage that faith-filled prayer can move mountains (Mark 11:23)
Step 1: Speak to the mountain in faith – Expect God to work, with no doubt in your heart.
Step 2: Forgive others – Unforgiveness blocks our prayers (Mark 11:25).
Faith and forgiveness go hand in hand!
Devotional
Are you spiritually fruitful or just "bearing leaves"?
What areas of your life need more faith and action?
Do you need to forgive someone to restore your prayer life?
What mountains do you need God to move?
Lent & Easter Journey
Jesus desires real transformation—not just religious appearances.
Faith must be active—our prayers should reflect bold expectation.
As Easter approaches, examine your heart—are you living a fruitful life?
Challenge
Pray with boldness and expectation today!
Speak to your mountains—declare God’s promises over your situation.
Examine your heart—is there any unforgiveness you need to let go of?
Ask God to help you bear real spiritual fruit, not just appear religious.
Prayer
Father, I don’t want to be like the fig tree with only leaves but no fruit. Help me to live out my faith with action and obedience. Strengthen my faith so that I can pray with boldness, believing that You can move mountains. If there is any unforgiveness in my heart, show me so that I can forgive and walk in freedom.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Redeemed By The Cross - Lent/Easter Devotional Study for Women
You can get the full 43-day devotional in one place by purchasing the book on Amazon or grabbing the PDF version here. It’s a beautiful way to prepare your heart and reflect deeply on the meaning of the cross and resurrection. It comes with plenty of space to journal and prayer prompts!
✨ Already purchased our Digital/Printable Super-Saver Bundle?
Good news — Redeemed By The Cross has just been added! Log in to your account to download your new devotional.
Let’s walk this Holy Week together—each day bringing us prayerfully closer to the cross... and to the empty tomb.
Tomorrow, we will consider the events of Day 3 - The Mystery Of The Fig Tree.
Holy Week Devotionals:
Day 1 – Palm Sunday - The King Has Come!
Day 2 – Monday - Jesus Weeps For Jerusalem.
Day 3 – Tuesday - The Mystery of the Fig Tree.
Day 5 – Maundy Thursday - The Last Supper & Gethsemane.
Day 6 – Good Friday - Jesus’ Trial and Crucifixion.
Day 7 – Holy Saturday - The Silence of Saturday.
Day 8 – Resurrection Sunday - He Is Risen!
Other Related Articles You Might Enjoy:
Connect: Join me on Facebook and Instagram for daily encouragement. If you have enjoyed this post, share it on Facebook using the button below or pin the graphic above to Pinterest.
Help me spread God's joy to everyone!
Join us in our Restoring Beauty For Ashes Facebook Group for daily Bible study and prayer HERE.
Blessings,
Karen xo.
