Passion Week - The Barren Fig Tree and Cleansing of the Temple

"If I walk with the world, I can't walk with God."  - Dwight L. Moody

This week, better known as Passion Week, notes the final days of the earthly mission of Jesus Christ. The events which occurred led to, and culminated with, his crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.

Much attention has been given to the conclusion of Passion Week, and rightly so. But it's also, both, important, and beneficial to examine the other teachings by Jesus, and to learn as much as we can from them.

The barren fig tree, presented in Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, is a symbolic lesson about Israel's fruitlessness. This was directed at their taking the vows of religion without putting them into practice, and failure to recognize the Messiah.

It's important to mention that this event does not declare that Israel was cursed to be eternally barren. They've only been laid aside temporarily. The nation will be reborn and put back to a favorable position with God when Christ returns to rule (Matthew 24:30; Revelation 19:11-12).

The second cleansing of the Temple (Matthew 212-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48) also happened during this time. Two cleansings of the Temple actually took place. One was earlier in Jesus' ministry (John 2:14-17).

The first cleansing in which Jesus forcibly removed the money changers from the Temple was intended to instruct, forewarn, and announce to Israel that the Messiah had arrived (Psalm 69:9; Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11).

This second cleansing of the Temple was meant for symbolic judgment as according to prophecy (John 2:16). Once he had cleared the Temple of the buyers and sellers he invited the blind and lame to enter so he could heal them (Matthew 21:14).

The scribes and chief priests heard the children's shouts in the Temple of "Hosanna to the Son of David!" which greatly angered them (Matthew 21:16). Jesus saw nothing wrong with children rejoicing, especially if they already show a strong interest in God (Psalm 8:2).

In closing, we can gather much from our discussion today. First, we belong to Christ. He bought and paid for us with his precious blood. And as our hearts are his "Temples," he has every right to come in and cleanse them, purging everything worldly, unspiritual, and sinful from our lives.

Secondly, regarding our faith, are we "fruitless" too? Are we like those who say what they do, but don't do what they say? We disappoint Christ when our lives are spiritually barren, and sadden him when our hearts are filled, even partially, with carnality.

Scripture: Philippians 1:6; Matthew 12:33; 2 Timothy 3:16; Matthew 7:16; Philippians 1:11

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to walk in Your way, being fully pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work, and growing in knowledge of You always, amen.

Blessings always,

Cyndy