This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Matthew 21:19-22, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once, Jesus was walking down a road when he saw a fig tree. He went to the tree, but there were no figs on it, only leaves. Jesus then said to the tree, “May you never grow fruit again!” And just like that, the tree began to wither away.
The disciples who were with Jesus saw what had happened and were amazed. They asked Jesus, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
Jesus replied, “If you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do even greater things than this. You can even move mountains and ask for anything in prayer, and you will receive it, as long as you have faith.”
Biblical Lessons
- Jesus cares about our spiritual fruitfulness, not just outward appearances.
- It is important to be obedient to God’s will and purposes for our lives.
- Our words have power and can bring about both blessings and curses.
- God expects us to use the resources He has given us wisely and to bear fruit.
Related Stories
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Must-Read Christian Books
Holiness
A rich, pastoral treatment of sin, sanctification, and the fight for holiness in the Christian life, deeply rooted in Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Cross of Christ
A profound exploration of the meaning and power of the cross at the center of Christian faith and life.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
A Call to Spiritual Reformation
Walks through Paul's prayers to teach believers how to pray biblically and God-centeredly.
View on Amazon
Faith Alone
Defends justification by faith alone as the heart of the biblical gospel and Reformation.
View on Amazon
Finally Alive
A biblical exploration of the new birth and why regeneration is at the heart of the Christian life.
View on Amazon
Living the Cross-Centered Life
A call to keep Christ's cross at the center of our thinking, worship, and daily living.
View on Amazon
Nine Marks of a Healthy Church
Outlines nine biblical priorities for congregations that want to be faithful and healthy.
View on Amazon
Just Do Something
A wise, biblical approach to knowing God's will without paralysis or mysticism.
View on Amazon
Spiritual Leadership
Biblical principles for godly leadership in the church, home, and workplace.
View on Amazon
Morning and Evening
Devotional readings for each day that point believers to Christ and His promises.
View on Amazon
The Bruised Reed
A tender Puritan work on Christ's gentleness toward weak and struggling believers.
View on Amazon
The Heidelberg Catechism
A beloved Reformation catechism that teaches comfort in Christ through a Q&A format.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Delighting in the Trinity
A joyful, readable introduction to the triune God and why His tri-unity is good news.
View on Amazon
The Whole Christ
Deals with legalism, antinomianism, and the grace of God in union with Christ.
View on Amazon
Shepherding a Child's Heart
Biblical parenting that aims at a child's heart, not just outward behavior.
View on Amazon
The Peacemaker
Biblical principles for resolving conflict in a way that honors Christ and reconciles people.
View on Amazon