Have Faith In God ~ Day 30

October 31, 2006 - Day 30

Mark 11:12-14, 20-25

Passage: This is an interesting passage that seems a bit out of place, but actually the context gives this passage its meaning. Jesus was hungry so He went to a fig tree that was full of leaves. He expected it to have fruit on it, but it did not. It was barren. This seems to anger Jesus, so he curses the tree to never bear fruit again. The meaning of this passage is clear when it is considered by its surrounding context. The fig tree resembles the Jewish people who on a whole are a spiritually barren people. They will soon reject Jesus for a final time. They are very far from God. They are not fulfilling their purpose as God’s people, just as the fig tree is not fulfilling its purpose as a fig-bearer. This is detestable to Jesus. The Jews in fact would receive judgment from God for their rejection of Jesus and are still to this day.

Application: Jesus gives the application to this passage in verse 20, “Have faith in God.” The Jewish people simply would not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the coming king. Jesus also says that we should trust God in all things. We should pray with faith, believing that God hears and answers our prayers. So, I must have faith in Jesus. I must believe that He was the Messiah sent from God. I must trust Him for the forgiveness of sin and for the provisions of life. He alone is worthy of this tremendous trust. Thank you Jesus for all that you are to me. I also think this passage beckons Christians to preach the gospel to Jews. They should not be excluded in our evangelism. It is very sad to see their current state, estranged from God.