Mark 11:12-14 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it.
As we read this story, it becomes somewhat perplexing. We know
that our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus was infamous while He was on the earth
for displaying love and compassion. However, in this incident, we see Him
obliterating an innocent Fig tree. The cursing of this fig tree occurred right
before He went to the Temple and ran out the money changers. The symbolism of
this must have had a connection to the money changers in Temple Square.
In the Old Testament, the
imaginings of individuals being able to relax in the shade of their own fig
trees was a customary representation of peace (1 Kings 4:25; Micah 4:4; Zechariah
3:10). Fig trees that were rich with hanging fruit were a clear
indication of God's blessing among His people. However, when the people turned
their backs on God and ran after other gods, they were compared to as "not
bearing good fruit" by God's Prophets.
Then, as today, the people
of God were supposed to be extending a hand out to those in need. However, as
we see later in the money changers incident in the Temple, people were gaining
riches off the backs of the less fortunate. Furthermore, these selfish fortune
seekers were taking advantage of in-place community systems that were supposed
to be helping others.
A fig tree will be rich
with fruit shortly after it leaves out; however, when Jesus encountered this
particular fig tree, it bore no fruit. The cursing of this fig tree was
symbolic in the judgment that God would bring on the corrupt people taking
advantage of those who were less fortunate. The leaders of the Children of Israel,
God's chosen people to reflect His light to the world, had allowed corruption
to creep into their ranks. They charged very high exchange rates for coins and
despicable extreme lodging rates for those coming to Jerusalem for the
celebrations at the Temple, most especially during Passover.
We must be very vigilant
this day in age that we do not allow Satan to creep into our ranks as
Christians. Satan will use someone that is already self-seeking to bring heresy
and blasphemy into the body of Christ, our churches. This evil influence comes
from the same source today that it stemmed from during the time Christ was on
the earth. Satan knows what his eternal future holds, and he wants to drag as
many down to Hell with him as he can. The best way to protect ourselves from
this danger is worship, daily prayer, and Bible study, both personal and
corporate. The best way to recognize the counterfeit gospel message is to be
very familiar with the real thing, the truth of God's Word.
No comments:
Post a Comment