The Fig Tree and The Temple

Time and time again, I am struck by the intentionality of Jesus. Even when life looks haphazard and all fuzzy at the moment, looking back I can always see the Hand of God in it. Have you felt that way?

Mark 11 shares about a very intentional time that Jesus had. There is a story within a story.

The Set-Up: Jesus enters Jerusalem knowing He was about to die. I don’t think Jesus would waste His last week on things that didn’t matter. We know the scene: parade, “Hosanna” shouts, palm leaves and coats laid before Him. They think He’s come to rescue them from Rome. Jesus knows He’s come for more than that. There is more at stake.

Intention #1:
Verse 11: “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.”

Jesus went to the Temple and sees what it has become. It looked nothing like it was intended to be: a house of prayer. Jesus just stands there, taking it all in and then leaves.

Verses 15-17: “On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry any merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, ‘Is it not written: My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.’” (Italics mine)

Take a moment to really read the italics. Picture the scene and the chaos. To everyone else it was a normal day. They weren’t expecting Jesus. Can you just imagine what the disciples were thinking?! They have spent the last 3 years with Jesus watching Him love and heal people. Then He curses a tree (more on that later), goes nuts in the Temple and then starts teaching. I see mouths open and scratching of heads.

Intention #2:
Verses 12-14: “The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to find out if it had any fruit. When He reached it, He found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then He said to the tree, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ And His disciples heard Him say it.”

The fig tree leaves come after the fruit. It promised something that wasn’t there. It was barren. It looked good, respectable even but it was all for show. Jesus was hungry and seeing the leaves thought there was the promise of fruit.

The Temple was resplendent with priests looking good in their holy robes, doing holy work but it was only an appearance of religious devotion. When Jesus arrives the next day and cleans house, it wasn’t a burst of emotion playing out. He had a whole night to think about it. He intentionally cleaned out what was opposite of what God had intended.

In both of these stories Jesus announces everything that is false and pretentious.

I think Jesus was so intense in both stories because our lives and everyone around us are at stake. He knew playing religion wasn’t going to cut it. He needs us to actually be holy and not just play act it. That takes intentionality on our part. We need to purposely deal with those things in our lives that are fruitless.

Jimmy Evans shares: Confession = telling the truth about sins and problems. Repentance = taking responsibility for my behavior and making things right. May we be brave and honest enough to make these two things a regular part of our lives.

Are we influenced more by what others say or do? Are we comforted by their strength? When we follow Jesus alone, He leads us away from everything that is false, unreal or untrue.

May we take a moment and ask for wisdom to see those things in our lives that need to be dealt with.

I have been leaning on Jesus so much this past week, He is steady and sure! Take a moment to close your eyes and listen to the song.

He loves you so much!!! Know that deep in your soul. Have a great day!

All My Love ~
Jodi xoxo

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