The Fig Tree and Friends Day

by David Shannon

Why did Jesus Curse the Fig Tree? Read Mark 11:12-24
During the week of Jesus crucifixion Jesus cursed a barren fig tree ( Mark 11:12-14). In Mark 11:20-24 His disciples noticed the next morning that the tree had already withered from its roots.

To better understand this passage we must connect the whole passage together. In Mark 11:15-19 Jesus cleansed the temple as it had become a house of merchandise operated by a den of thieves instead of a house of prayer as designed by God. Consider their deceit and craftiness. Not only had they set up shop to steal, but they did it under the shelter of the temple and in the interest of religion. In other words, their vice was disguised in the house of God. It could have been that their marketing strategy was to make religion convenient for those coming to Jerusalem. A necessary conclusion is that they were not producing fruit for the Lord! They were barren. As the Lord was training his disciples He taught them they must cut out this type of religion at the root!
In verses 21 and 22 the disciples pointed out to Jesus that the fig tree He had cursed was dead. Did you notice His first words? "Have faith in God." We need to stop at this phrase and drink deeply from that wise command. This was not the answer to why the fig tree was destroyed, but this was the answer as to how they could live so as not to be destroyed like the fig tree! You see, the religious men in the temple did not have faith in God; therefore, they were barren of God's fruit. Since the beginning, trees have born fruit of their kind ( Genesis 1:11). There was much power in the fruitless religion of Judaism being practiced in Jerusalem at the same time the church was beginning. How would a few disciples establish a church in less than two months in this environment? "Have faith in God." They would experience many obstacles in the kingdom - what could they do? "Have faith in God." The disciples were going to have to allow this old religion to die at the root and "have faith in God." Removing this obstacle of deceit and perversion would have been like moving a mountain into the sea (verse 23). Only God can do that - "Have faith in God."

You may have a friend in mind and you think, "They would never come to Friends Day, but let's "have faith in God." God has been in the business of removing mountain-sized obstacles since before His kingdom began. Maybe the obstacle moved this week will be in the life of your friend. "Have faith in God" and invite. Do not doubt and pray. And watch the Mountain-Mover work.

Pray, invite, come early, park at a distance, greet warmly, offer your seat, invite to lunch, invite to p.m. hot dog fellowship, pray more... "Have faith in God."