But the narrative also explains by whom this symbolico-prophetical deed should be performed in its thorough execution. In fact, after the disciples on the following day had remarked the withering of the tree that had taken place, and had expressed their perception of it to Jesus, they received the answer, that if they had faith they would do as it was done to the fig-tree.' These words require the strictest attention. It is erroneous to consider as parallel to them the pas the sage, John xiv. 12: 'He that believeth on me, works that I do shall he do also.' The meaning is not, 'You shall also do as I have done to a fig-tree,' but rather, 'It is you who will really perform what I have done symbolically; it is you will bring to pass on Israel the judgment which I have performed allegorically on the fig-tree.' Our Lord adds, that they would also say effectually to the mountain, 'Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea.' If we understand the fig-tree parabolically, it follows that we have also to consider the mountain in a similar manner. And what does it signify? Nothing else than Paganism; for Paganism, as such, is to sink into the sea, just as the demons went down into its depths. It is to vanish off the face of the earth, while the dried-up fig-tree-dead Judaism-is to remain as a sign. The Gentiles themselves, however, are to enter into the kingdom of God, as a tree full of the fruit of righteousness by Christ to the honour of God. The execution of the judgment of Jesus on the Jews is the negative, the introduction of the Gentiles into the kingdom the positive side of the apostolic mission. And in faith ('If ye have faith') the apostles have performed their task; the result was made manifest. They always offered salvation to the Jews, but generally in vain. When they then shook the dust from off their feet, when a Paul said, 'I go henceforth only to the Gentiles,' they performed the negative as well as the positive side of their mission. Let us understand our narrative in this sense, and then it will not appear as a clumsy fabrication, as Strauss affirms. But we shall indeed be considered justified in having shown the miracle to be an actual prophecy of the dominion which the kingdom of God will gain by the ministration of the disciples on earth. |