#316 – EASTER MONDAY - THE TREE AND THE TEMPLE (29/3/21)
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During this Easter Week, I thought that it would be helpful to look at some of the events and teaching on each day running up to Resurrection Sunday.
The Tree
On the Monday of Easter Week, we see Jesus cursing the fig tree.
‘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.’ (Mark 11:12-14)
Jesus well knew that this was ‘not the season for figs’. The cursing of the fig tree is prophetic. It speaks of God’s judgement on His fruitless people. God is passionate for our love and holiness. God wants our hearts to be on fire with passion for Him.
The Temple
Jesus goes on to clear the temple courts,
‘On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts 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 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 nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’” The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.’ (Mark 11:15-18)
This event is also a powerful prophetic statement. It reveals God’s desire that His people be wholly devoted to Him. It also points to His passion that the nations are saved and come into his presence.
RESPONSE
The fig tree and the temple courts speak powerfully to us. What is the fruit that Jesus wants to see in you and His church? What have we allowed to clutter up the ‘temple courts’ of our lives? Are we passionate about prayer? Are we devoted to building a ‘house for prayer for all nations’? How Does Jesus want you to respond today?
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - NO GROUPS DUE OUR EASTER WEEK OF PRAYER - LOOK AT CHURCH NEWS OR CONTACT THE OFFICE FOR DETAILS.
