July 9. Mark 11. Paul Ehlenfeldt

That Odd Fig Tree

As I write this we had recently read/discussed/learned about the Parable of the Sower. In this context, this passage now comes into a more cohesive light for me.

Wow, what a scene to kick off the chapter! Here is Jesus riding a colt coming into Jerusalem and the crowds are cheering, imagine the joy for a moment. Surely these people had heard Jesus teach, heard of the miracles, maybe even been witness to them, or even experienced healing themselves. Looking at verses 9 & 10 which reference Psalm 118:25-26

“Lord, save us!
Lord, grant us success!
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
From the house of the Lord we bless you.”

But then we get to verse 11:

"Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve."

What did he see there? Was it empty of worshippers? Did he see the tables and pens and birdcages already set up for the next day?

I always found this story of the fig tree to be in a weird spot until we talked about the Parable of the Sower, it just seemed out of place to me. I wonder now, does the story connect the crowds to the seed that fell on rocky places. They received Jesus with joy, but was there no fruit?

Or does it connect what happens next in the temple to the seed among the thorns where “the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful”... Maybe it is both. If Jesus were to examine my temple today, what would he see, what would clear out… fear, selfishness, bitterness, worldly worries?

And now back to that fig tree and a teachable moment on prayer. I have to admit there have been times where I have prayed for something but didn't really "believe" but rather thought "maybe" God will answer. Jesus tells the disciples to have faith and BELIEVE. Then Jesus gives another insight, perhaps that feeling of "maybe" has to do more with my heart and unresolved issues. Answered pray comes from a place of Faith AND Forgiveness.

The chapter opened with thunderous applause and now closes with silence as Jesus refuses to answer the priest, teachers, or elders by what authority He was doing the things He had done.

I learned a lot from that odd fig tree... to be sure I am bearing fruit for Jesus and to be praying out of a place of FAITH and FORGIVENESS!