Jesus and Adam

I had always been confused by the story of Jesus and the fig tree (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, 18-25). I could not understand why it was necessary to curse the tree. I understand that the story ties into the final judgement of the earth when those that did not produce any fruit will be done away with. However, why did a tree have to die? A tree is not as aware of itself as a person. It cannot be held to the same standard as a person. As I thought more about it, I realized it is connected to God's original instructions to Adam and Eve. God told Adam and Eve to be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it (Genesis 1:28). God created the Garden of Eden for Adam and Eve with the intention of having them take care of it all their lives. It was their responsibility to keep it in great condition by doing the four things God told them to do. He told them to BE FRUITFUL, MULTIPLY, FILL THE EARTH, and SUBDUE IT. What Jesus was doing was subduing an unfruitful tree. He was keeping the garden of the earth in great condition by ridding it of anything that did not contribute. Adam had the opportunity to subdue the devil when he tempted them to disobey God, but he [Adam] didn't (Genesis 3:1-6). Adam had been given the power and authority to get rid of anything in the Garden of Eden that was not contributing to God's vision for the garden (Genesis 1:28-31). But Adam did not exercise his authority and fell into the devil's trap. Jesus did what Adam refused to. This is spiritually similar to Jesus cleansing the temple (Matthew 21:12-13, Mark 11:15-17, Luke 19:45-46, John 2:13-16). Jesus took action to get rid of the evil on the earth.

My takeaway from this discussion is that it is immensely important to the Lord that we bear fruit. It is the only evidence we have of our faithfulness to God.