Monday April 10
Holy Monday
Bible Reading: Matt. 21: 18 - 27
Topic: The Barren Fig Tree
Some Theologians say that
on this variety of fig tree, the fruit is first formed before the leaves
appear.
So one would expect to
find satisfying fruit on this fig tree that is in full leaf but that was not
the case. Jesus did not curse the tree simply because there was no fruit, but
He used it to make visual illustration of the state of religious Israel.
Israel had produced an
outward show of righteousness which they had created after their traditions (15:
1-9; Mark 7: 1-9), yet did not produce fruit by accepting Jesus as the Messiah
(Jer. 2: 21)
Jesus and His Disciples noticed that the Fig Tree had withered!!
Jesus remains the True
Source from which Christians (Jews and Gentiles alike) - the true Israel by
faith - receive spiritual sustenance and the grace to bear fruit worthy of
repentance (John 15: 2; Gal. 5: 21-23)
Another positive lesson to
be learned from the withered fig tree is the incredible power of believing
prayer authoritatively spoken in accordance with God's Will and Purpose.
In reference to this
episode, Jesus promises in Mark 11: 24, "Therefore I say to you, whatever
things you ask, when you pray believe that you receive them, and you will have
them". How often do you key into this promise?
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, please help
me to produce fruit worthy of repentance, Amen
Memory verse: Matt. 21 : 21
"Jesus answered and
said unto them 'Verily I say unto you, if ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall
not only do this which is done to the fig tree
but also if ye shall say unto the Mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast
into the sea, it shall be done"
Source:
The Daily Fountain
(The Daily Devotional Guide of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion)
(The Daily Devotional Guide of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion)
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