2/4/10 Mark 11
Fig Tree – Judgment & Faith
In this section we read about the miracle Jesus performs on the fig tree. It strikes many as odd and even cruel, but upon further study it is really a theological lesson on judgment and faith. This is the only miracle that Jesus performs, which is destructive in nature. That in itself should catch our attention. This miracle is only found in Mark and Matthew. Mark is more chronological, while Matthew arranges his account topically.
This curse pronounced on the fig tree is a message of judgment for the so called ‘spiritual leaders’ at the time. Notice how the curse occurs and then the cleansing of the temple and then reaction to what has happened to the fig tree. Those who controlled the temple were as unfruitful as was this fig tree. They were hypocrites who advertised piety, but were interested in profit. They had turned the temple into a “robbers’ den.” I have to ask myself is this true in our day?
The reaction of Peter and thus the other disciples gives Jesus another teaching moment, this time about faith. This lesson on faith here differs from the “mustard seed” lesson which focused on the smallness (effectiveness) of faith. Here the lesson is on the power of faith, which is connected to believing, which is connected prayer, which is connected to obedience and discerning the will of God. See it is not our faith that has the power to move mountains. It is when our faith is rightly placed in God; the mountain maker and shaker.
(Heb 12:25-29) 25See to it that you do not refuse Him who is speaking. For if those did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape who turn away from Him who warns from heaven. 26And His voice shook the earth then, but now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heaven.” 27This expression, “Yet once more,” denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. 28Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; 29for our God is a consuming fire.
Prayer: Father my prayer to you is that I will abide in you and you in me that I may bear much fruit, knowing apart from you I can do nothing. Increase my faith in You amidst my circumstances where You show your unmatchable power. I give praise to you for your faithful judgment of all things and your perfect balance of power. In Jesus Name. Amen.