From “Jesús’ Journey to the Cross” by Dr Greg Baxter
Read Mark 11:12-19; Matthew 21:14. Early on Monday March 30, 33 Jesus and His disciples left Bethany and proceeded to Jerusalem. He cursed the fig tree (Matt. 21:18-19; Mark 11:12-14), cleansed the temple (Matt 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46); received strong reaction from both the crowd and the religious leaders to His teachings, and then He and His disciples retired to Bethany for the night (Mark 11:19; Luke 21:37).
On the way to the temple complex He became hungry. Seeing a mature fig tree with healthy leaves and sturdy limbs He decided to pick some fruit. Finding no fruit on the tree He cursed it. In cursing of the fig tree Jesus was pronouncing judgment on the generation of Jews who refused to produce ‘fruits of repentance’ (Matt. 3:8). Like the fig tree they were outwardly religious but inwardly barren of any good works. Judgment meant an eternity in torment, separated from God, (Luke 16:19-31).
Moving on He and His disciples return to the temple. He immediately sat down and began to heal the blind and the lame (Matt. 21;14) and teach the people that the temple was not the place for commercial activities but for prayer.. The religious leaders were furious but could not do anything because they feared those who were listening and agreeing with Jesus teaching (Mark 11:18). At the end of the day Jesus and His disciples return to Bethany (Mark 11:19; Luke 21:37).
Questions for Reflection:
Do you think people understand that Jesus taught that those who reject Him will spend eternity in hell and ultimately in the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15).
What good works are you producing as a Christian?
Should the local church operate more or less like any other local business?
How is Jesus’ teaching different than the Pharisees teaching?
Lord,
Search me so I may exhibit fruits of repentance,
Examine and test my motives for serving you,
May I never lose sight of the exceeding sinfulness of sin,
Restore my passion for meeting people’s spiritual needs,
Keep the Church from using God’s people as a tool to become wealthy.
In Jesus name, Amen.