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Mark 11:20-21 ESV
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 21 And Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”
Isn’t it interesting that Mark sandwiches Jesus’ cleansing of the temple with two parts of the story of the fig tree? (see Monday’s reading) It creates a framework for the temple scene.[1] Here we see the results of Jesus cursing the fig tree—it withered from the roots up. He performed a miracle that also taught a lesson. This parable signifies the forthcoming destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.[2] No longer will God dwell in a physical temple, but He will live inside each one of us who believes. In the coming days, Jesus is about to open up His kingdom through His death and resurrection for all to come into the presence of God, for the Holy Spirit to dwell in each one of us, reconciling us to God, and inviting us into His family.
Ephesians 2:11-22 ESV
11 Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
Tuesday was one of the busiest days for Jesus’ ministry during Holy Week. Below are some Scriptures with links if you’d like to read the day’s events:
Mark 11:27–13:37 (Matt. 21:23–25:46; Luke 20:1–21:36)
Don’t forget to join Jen Shoutta over on her podcast where she reflects on this past Sunday’s sermon as a guided prayer and meditation.
Listen here on Spotify and Listen here on Apple Podcasts.
Happy Tuesday!
[1] Evans, C. A. (2001). Mark 8:27–16:20 (Vol. 34B, p. 151). Word, Incorporated.