Jesus and the Fig Tree
This is one of the strangest encounters in the gospels. It isn't with a person, it's with a tree, and in this story, Jesus curses the tree for not having fruit even though it wasn't in season. Why would Jesus use His powers to destroy, and why was Jesus angry with a plant? And what does any of this have to do with anything else or with us?
Reflection- What would Jesus see and experience if He walked through the temple of your life?Do you have leaves but not fruit? Is there anywhere where you're pretending?
Is there anywhere where you're trying to produce your fruit? How is your prayer life? What might be hindering your prayers of faith?
Further Reading - Jefferson Bethke, "Jesus > Religion: Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough"
Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus (spoken word)
Further up, further in - Take time this week to think more deeply about the question, "What would Jesus see and experience if He walked through the temple of my life." Go through the temple of your life with Jesus. Where have you seen growth and change? Praise God! Where is there still work to be done? Ask Jesus to speak into those areas of your life and show you what is possible with Him, and then pray with expectant faith for Jesus to do His work in you. Ask Him to show you if there is anything you are doing or not doing that is hindering His work in your life.