What we see in Jesus cursing the fig tree:
First, the return to Jerusalem, 18
Two mornings compressed into one:
On Monday – Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey and was hailed by the crowds as the Son of David – He then retired to Bethany that evening
On Tuesday – He came back to Jerusalem in the morning, cursed the fig tree along the way on the Mount of Olives, then cleansed the temple, and again returned to Bethany that evening
On Wednesday – He came back to Jerusalem, the disciples saw the withered fig tree and questioned Him about it, and then entered Jerusalem for a very long, exhausting day before returning to Bethany again that evening
Second, the cursing of the fig tree, 19
Fig trees were symbols
of blessing and fruitfulness:
Promises of coming judgment:
Third, the amazement of the disciples, 20
Fourth, the reply of Jesus, 21-22
Some examples of God’s guaranteed answer to prayer:
#1: Is it God’s will for you to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ?
#2: Is it God’s will for us to love one another?
#3: Is it God’s will for us to ask, seek, and knock at His door and receive an answer? |
