268 - Fig Trees and Pharisees
- Gwen Diaz
- Sep 25, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
SEPTEMBER 25- Nº 268 Matthew 21:12-13, 18-19; Mark 11:12-18; Luke 19:45-48; John 12:20-50
During the week that led up to the Passover Feast, Jesus and his disciples went into Jerusalem every day, then traveled back to Bethany every night. So, the morning after his triumphal entry on a colt, Jesus and his disciples got up early and went into the city again—this time on foot. It was Monday.
As they walked along, Jesus became hungry. In the distance he noticed a fig tree that had leaves. This was unusual because it was not the season for fig trees to become green. However, since edible buds usually accompanied the first leaves, Jesus walked over to see if there was any fruit he could eat. But there was nothing on the tree except leaves. “May you never bear any more fruit,” he commanded. And he cursed it! Immediately it began to wither.
Jesus was using the fig tree as a visual parable of the Pharisees phony relationship with God. Although the tree appeared to be healthy and strong, it was worthless because it didn't have any fruit. The rest of that week, Jesus proceeded to point out the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. As good as they looked on the outside, their religion was worthless. It produced nothing of value. It couldn't offer anyone eternal life.
When he arrived at the Temple that day, the first thing Jesus did was drive out the buyers and sellers and overturn the tables of the money changers. He had done this earlier in his ministry (see #219 - August 7), but once again the Temple was being misused. “My house will be a house of prayer,” he said angrily quoting from Isaiah 56:7. “But you have made it a den of robbers.” The religious leaders were irate and wanted to kill him right then. But they were afraid to arrest him because of how popular he had become with the people.
Several times during his ministry Jesus had told his disciples and followers, “My hour has not yet come.” But that morning, as he taught in the Temple courtyard, he announced, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified.” Jesus knew that it was finally time for him to die. He went on to explain that anyone who loved their own life more than they loved God would lose it. But if someone was willing to let go of their life and let God be in control, they would receive eternal life.
Jesus, realizing the agony he was about to go through, asked, “What shall I say? '‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came.” Then he added, “Father, glorify your name!”
At that moment a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Everyone who had gathered around Jesus heard the sound. Some people thought it was thunder. Others said that an angel had spoken. But Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world. Now is the time to defeat Satan and drive him out. When I am ‘lifted up’ from the earth, I will draw all men to me.”
The people realized that Jesus was predicting that he would be crucified. And that did not fit with their agenda for the Messiah! So, even after many miraculous signs—including a voice from heaven—many still refused to believe that Jesus was God’s Son! At that point, Jesus left and hid himself from them.
Is your mind open to the things God wants to teach you?
Will you follow Him wherever He wants to take you—even if you have no idea where He is leading? Even if it could turn out to be painful?
Pursuing our own agendas may seem far less difficult than accepting the ones God has for us. But our own plans won't allow us to accomplish anything that has eternal significance!
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