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Mark 11 

The events of this chapter connect to a barren fig tree. Jesus approaches a tree that has no fruit on it. He immediately condemns it to never bear figs again. The next day, the tree is shriveled up and the disciples ask about it. Jesus responds with these four words: “Have faith in God.” He goes on to say that incredible things are possible if disciples trust in God. In Jesus’ midst are people of faith, like those who lay down coats and worship Jesus as He enters Jerusalem. But there are also hard-hearted Pharisees who have no faith. They defile God’s temple with money tables. And they question Christ’s authority over them, though He silences them almost immediately. They are like that fig tree, condemned for being spiritually barren. 

The gospel of Jesus has had the same effect, all over the world, for centuries. Some believe. They lay their coats before Him and worship Him as their King. Believers pray in His name, live with great faith, and bear amazing fruit in His honor. These are the few and they belong to Him. But there are always many who live for themselves, are overtaken by greed, and will not submit to Christ’s right to rule their lives. They are plants with every ability to thrive but are fruitless and dead. We must choose, every day, which of the two we are going to be. We are the fig trees, and Jesus has the ongoing right to draw from us richly.   

Loving Father and gift giver, we praise Your name for the coming of Jesus to be our Savior and King. May we sing as believers did when He entered Jerusalem: “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord…” Indeed He is blessed, and He is a blessing to all who believe in Him. Help us to bear fruit by His power and for His glory. Lead us to be prayerful, to ask forgiveness when our branches grow bare, and to give Him the authority and the right to draw from us things that please Him.   

Thought Questions:

-       The plant imagery is helpful. If you are a fig tree that belongs to Jesus, how does that impact the nourishment and growth you pursue daily?

-       Jesus was deeply offended that the temple of God was infiltrated by greed. Is there a sense in which that has meaning for us in His church?

-       There is instruction on prayer in this chapter. Why does Jesus call us to forgive “anything against anyone” before we seek God’s forgiveness?