Tuesday

Withered to the roots

Rising early they headed back to Jerusalem. On their way they passed the fig tree Jesus had cursed the day before. Peter noticing it was dead recalled the cursing episode to Jesus. Peter was wondering how it could be, and not why it happened. A good fig tree  would have had some small fruit before the first leaves. This non-producing fig tree became an illustration of a most amazing truth. So amazing that many find it unbelievable.

“And Jesus answered saying to them, ‘Have faith in God. Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him. Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.'” (Mark 11:19-25 NASB)

They continued on to the temple where many had gathered early to hear Jesus. The religious were confronted and confounded as they challenged Christ’s authority. The humble heard His last public sermon.  Matthew Ch. 21-23; Mark Ch.11-12 and Luke Ch. 20 record this Tuesday morning service. Leaving the temple they returned to the Mount of Olives where Jesus gave His end time prophecies. Matthew Ch. 24-25: Mark Ch.13 and Luke Ch. 21.

Father, as we read these chapters expose any religious thoughts and attitudes that do not glorify You or express Your love. Grant us repentance so that we agree with You, and look forward joyfully to Christ’s return. In His name we pray.  

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” (Galatians 2:20 NASB)