Matthew 21:19

"Now in the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry."

Key Reflection

In the first-century Jewish context, this simple statement, “Now in the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry,” reveals much about Jesus’s humanity and his relationship with God's timing. For the original audience, recognizing that their revered teacher and leader experienced physical needs like hunger would highlight both his relatability and the divine purpose behind his actions. This moment underscores that even a figure as significant as Jesus did not control every aspect of his day, trusting in God’s provision just as they were expected to do.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 19. And when he saw a fig tree in the way, etc. This tree was standing in the public road. It was therefore common property, and any one might lawfully use its fruit. Mark says, Mr 11:13, "Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came," etc. That is, not far off from the road; but seeing it at a considerable distance, having leaves appearing healthy and luxuriant, they presumed that there would be fruit on it. Mark says, (Mr 11:13,) "He came, if haply he might find anything thereon." That is, judging from the appearance of the tree, it was probable that there would be fruit on it.

Related Verses

More from Matthew 21

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion