The Fig Tree Test

In the world we live in, look-alikes are everywhere. Many businesses struggle because of imitation products, often losing significant market share to copies. Branded apparel, in particular, has countless look-alikes. From a distance, they appear identical—sometimes even more attractive than the original. But on closer inspection, they lack the quality, substance, and authenticity of the real thing.

We see a similar truth in Matthew 21, when Jesus approached the fig tree. He was not merely looking at its appearance, but searching for fruit. A tree full of leaves yet empty of fruit became a powerful picture of a life that appears spiritual on the outside but lacks the likeness of God within. This moment exposes the contrast between the image and likeness God intended us to reflect and what is actually present in us.

The Fig Tree Test invites us to examine whether our lives are truly bearing fruit that satisfies the hunger of Christ, or whether we are merely displaying leaves—an outward appearance that cannot endure when He looks closely.

Image and Likeness of God

[Genesis 1:26-27 NIV] 26 Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

When God created mankind, He made us in His own image and His own likeness. At first glance, these two may seem identical, but Scripture reveals that they carry distinct meanings that are important for us to understand.

Think of the relationship between a child and a parent. A child is born with the image of the parent—sharing identity and resemblance. Over time, as the child grows, he or she develops the likeness of the parent—reflecting values, behaviour, and character.

In the same way:

• Image refers to the identity God has given us — who we are

• Likeness refers to the character God forms in us through obedience — who we become

After sin entered humanity, mankind drifted away from God’s likeness and began to reflect human likeness instead. In Genesis 5:1–3, we read that Adam had a son, Seth, who was born in Adam’s own likeness and image. This shift reveals how humanity moved from God’s original design of sinlessness to a distorted, sinful nature inherited from Adam. What was once meant to reflect God’s holiness became shaped by a likeness marked by sin.

The image of God is given at creation and is not lost, even after the Fall ([Genesis 9:6 NIV] 6 "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind.

• [James 3:9 NIV] 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness.

The image of God is given at creation and remains, despite the presence of sin as we saw in see Genesis 9:6; James 3:9.

What is Likeness of God?

• The likeness of God speaks not of identity, but of how we live and grow. A child grows into the likeness of a parent—adopting values, behaviour, and character over time.

• In the same way:

  • Image refers to the identity God gives us — who we are 

  • Likeness refers to the character God forms in us — who we become

• Likeness Of God reflects:

  • Holiness

  • Righteousness

  • Love

  • Obedience

  • A life that mirrors God’s nature daily

• The likeness of God is also connected to the glory of God (2 Corinthians 4:6).

How Sin Damaged God’s Likeness ?

• When sin entered the world (Genesis 3), humanity did not lose God’s image, but the likeness was damaged.

• In Genesis 5:1–3, Adam had a son, Seth, who was born in Adam’s own likeness and image. This reveals a tragic shift—humanity began reflecting a sinful human likeness rather than God’s holy likeness.

• Jesus explains this condition in John 8:44, showing that fallen humanity began reflecting a nature opposed to God as how Satan did with God - [John 8:44 NIV] 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

• Sin distorted our likeness and produced perversity, as described by Paul in Romans 1:28–32, where he lists 21 list of Sins, that broke the likeness of God to make us depraved and perverse to Sin. As a result:

  • The mind becomes darkened (Ephesians 4:17–18)

  • The heart grows hardened

  • Life becomes separated from God

• Just as a son’s character is corrupted by the influence of wrong friends, we too have been led astray by Sin.

• Though we hear many sermons and are given countless opportunities to return to the likeness of God, we are living in the last days—times foretold in Scripture when many will become scoffers, following their own ungodly desires  [Jude 1:17-18 NIV] 17 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires."

Restoring the likeness of God – FIG TREE TEST

[Matthew 21:18-22 NIV] 18 Early in the morning, as Jesus was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. 19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. 20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. 21 Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

• Matthew 21:18–22 records a striking moment in Jesus’ ministry. Early in the morning, as Jesus returned from His personal time of prayer, He was physically hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the roadside full of leaves, He approached it expecting fruit. Instead, He found nothing but leaves, and the tree withered immediately at His word.

• This scene reveals more than a miracle—it exposes a spiritual condition that still exists today.

• Outwardly, the fig tree appeared healthy and promising. In the same way, many lives today appear religious—filled with prayer, activity, and outward devotion. Yet when the Savior looks closely for his likeness, He often finds no fruit. The fruit He seeks is a life that responds to His hunger—to see His will done and His purposes fulfilled through us.

• God expects fruit from us as we walk and grow in Him. True fruit is produced when His likeness and glory are formed in us.

• Everything that does not serve His glory is destined to wither. When the fig tree failed to meet its purpose, Jesus cursed it. Scripture reminds us that all things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). What is not aligned with His purpose cannot endure. The lookalikes in us to be very religious / ritualistic cannot withstand his test.

• The dried leaves of the fig tree also point to self-pleasure and worldly attachment. Many appear green on the outside, yet lack the inner fire to seek God’s desires.

• There are many factors that prevent the glory of God from being revealed from the inside out. Among them, the following five attitudes stand out as especially displeasing to God:

  • Lovelessness toward God – Though we claim to love God, our hearts are often drawn more toward the world and its pleasures than toward Him.

  • Selfishness – We prioritize our own desires and needs, instead of seeking how God wants to work through us for His purposes.

  • Unfaithfulness – Like the Israelites, even after experiencing God’s faithfulness, we complain and struggle to trust Him fully, revealing a heart that does not depend on Him.

  • Hypocrisy – We live one way on Sunday and another from Monday to Saturday. We present one face in public worship and another in private life—saying one thing while doing another. This divided life is something God deeply detests.

  • Self-righteousness – Many believers read Scripture as though its warnings apply only to others. We assume our own righteousness, become proud, and close our eyes and ears to correction.

What is FIG TREE TEST ?

When Jesus examined the fig tree, He found it full of leaves but lacking fruit. In the same way, we are called to examine our own lives—to discern whether we are truly bearing fruit, or merely displaying leaves, or even carrying dried branches and withered leaves that hinder the likeness of God from being revealed in us.

• The Fig Tree Test is a call to honest self-examination. God’s Word urges us to look inward and test our faith:  [2 Corinthians 13:5 NIV] 5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?

• Many times, when we examine our eyes will see all clear. Surrender to God in Prayer and say this prayer as David says in [Psalm 139:23-24 NIV] 23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

• When we come before God in prayer, He begins to remove these attitudes from within us. John the Baptist described this work of separation when he spoke of the Lord holding a winnowing fork, gathering the wheat into the barn and burning the chaff with unquenchable fire

  • [Matthew 3:12 NIV] 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

  • Just as chaff clings tightly to the grain, these unwanted attitudes cling to our lives. It is through God’s refining fire that they are exposed and removed, allowing what is genuine and fruitful to remain.

• God entrusts us with many blessings and gifts, intending them to be used for His glory. Yet, many times we treat these gifts as if they exist for our own benefit and use them to advance ourselves rather than His purpose. Paul reminds us that every work built on this foundation will be tested by fire [1 Corinthians 3:12-15 NIV] 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved--even though only as one escaping through the flames.

• What remains will receive a reward; what does not will be lost. This testing reveals whether our lives and labours were shaped by God’s glory or driven by self.

• IN the FIG TREE TEST, Jesus shows His disciples how inner cleansing takes place—through faith-filled prayer. When the disciples witnessed the fig tree wither instantly, they were amazed. Jesus explained that faith without doubt carries divine authority. The same power that caused the fig tree to wither is available to all believers—to remove mountains and uproot anything in our lives that does not belong (Matthew 21:20–22).

  • [Matthew 21:20-22 NIV] 20 When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. 21 Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."

Conclusion – Bearing True Fruit

The Fig Tree Test reminds us that God looks beyond outward appearances. True spirituality is not about looking holy or religious—it’s about bearing fruit that reflects His likeness and glory. Through honest self-examination, surrender, and faith-filled prayer, God refines our hearts, removes what does not belong, and restores His character within us. When we align our lives with His will, we move from merely displaying leaves to producing lasting fruit that satisfies Christ and honours His name.