Mark 11-13

 Link to full passage on Bible Gateway

Take Heed, Keep on the Alert

Jesus went up to the tree while He and His disciples were on their way to the temple in Jerusalem. He was disappointed that the fig tree that looked so promising bore no fruit because He was hungry. This was an excellent opportunity for an object lesson. From a distance, the fig tree looked like it had fruit. But upon examination it was proven to be barren, thus it was useless. So, Jesus cursed the tree, saying, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” Jesus and His disciples continued to Jerusalem and entered the temple. Like the fig tree, the temple looked promising from a distance, but up close it was evident that it bore no fruit. In fact, the temple designated as a house of prayer had become a den of thieves. It was useless. Like the fig tree that was cursed to wither and die because it failed to serve its purpose to feed the hungry, so the temple was cursed to be destroyed because it failed also, to serve its purpose to be the house of prayer.  This is also a good object lesson for me. Is my life bearing fruit? Am I fulfilling God’s purpose for me? Dear Father, thank You for the many lessons Jesus taught. May I have ears to hear and eyes to see and a heart that understands and a will that submits. And may I bear much fruit. Please help us all, Your children, to fulfill Your purpose for us.