Ver. 20-23. See the notes on "Matthew 21:21". It is I confess the opinion of many excellent interpreters, whom I reverence, that the main end of our Saviour's cursing and blasting this fig tree, was to let his disciples see in a type what would be the consequent of a spiritual barrenness. That spiritual barrenness is exceedingly dangerous is out of question; our Saviour teacheth us it plainly by another parable of the fig tree, Luke 13:6-9, and the apostle teacheth us it, Hebrews 6:7,8. But I see nothing to guide us to any such interpretation of this action of his, which was a miraculous operation, by which as he;
1. Plainly showed his Divine power; so;
2. These verses inform us, that it was his design to show his people the power of faith, that is, a full persuasion, that whatsoever we ask of God according to his will, and which may tend to his glory, shall be done for us. Which interpretation of this action of our Saviour's solves all the difficulties relating to this story, about which interpreters have so disquieted themselves.