Scripture: Mark 11: 12-25
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
12 On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. 13 And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
15 And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. 16 And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” 18 And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. 19 And when evening came they went out of the city.
Holy Monday devotional thoughts
Of all of the miracles that Jesus performed, the cursing of the fig tree was the only destructive miracle. When you saw a fig tree with leaves, that was an indicator that the tree would also have fruit. Even though figs were not in season at this time, if it had leaves, then it should have fruit. The tree was cursed for its lack of fruit. Much like Israel in the days of Jesus. It had the outward appearance of following God, but had no fruit. God does not approve of when there is a profession without reality.
Continuing on his journey, Jesus entered Jerusalem and the first place he entered was his Father’s House. Here he finds money changers who worked with the priests and forced those coming to purchase approved sacrificial animals at higher prices. Those who bought and sold in the temple did so in the outer courts of the temple where only Gentiles could worship and pray. This place became a dishonest marketplace. What God intended to be a House of Prayer for all nations became a den of thieves. This angered Jesus so much that he began to run them out and get rid of their corrupt business. After running everyone out of the temple, he went on about his public teachings and healings.
The fig tree and the temple workers are both the same here. The tree has leaves and looks good from the outside. The temple workers and priests look like they are providing a service to God’s people. But neither of them are bearing fruit. Today is a great day to reflect on your fruit and make corrections if you are lacking fruit.
Songs of worship and reflection
Monday Morning Faith (Radio Version)
Make Room (feat. Elyssa Smith) [Radio Edit] – Community Music, The Church Will Sing
Enjoyed