A House of Prayer
Jesus did a "cleansing of the temple" both at the beginning and the end of his ministry. Why did He do that? What was he trying to accomplish? Why is it okay for Jesus to get mad? How does all of this apply to us today?
Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
All the trees in the fig orchard were destitute of fruit; but the leafless trees raised no expectation, and caused no disappointment. By these trees the Gentiles were represented. They were as destitute as were the Jews of godliness; but they had not professed to serve God.
Cleanses Temple
The indignation of Jesus was stirred; He knew that His blood, so soon to be shed for the sins of the world, would be as little appreciated by the priests and elders as was the blood of beasts which they kept incessantly flowing.
Teaches and Heals at Temple
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
The warning is for all time. Christ’s act in cursing the tree which His own power had created stands as a warning to all churches and to all Christians. No one can live the law of God without ministering to others. But there are many who do not live out Christ’s merciful, unselfish life. Some who think themselves excellent Christians do not understand what constitutes service for God. They plan and study to please themselves. They act only in reference to self. Time is of value to them only as they can gather for themselves. In all the affairs of life this is their object. Not for others but for themselves do they minister.