It’s starting to get real. Jesus knows his time is limited, and I’m sure he’s feeling the pressure to give his disciples as much wisdom as he can. They are going to need all the faith they can get when he’s no longer with them. Were you expecting to see the fig tree become a teachable moment once again?
The power of Jesus’ words, cursing the fig tree only a day earlier, had caused it to immediately die. The power of Jesus’ name can move mountains, too. Jesus tells us to “pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.” That sounds a lot like what people today call “manifesting.” Unfortunately, the idea is similar, but people calling it that don’t rely on God’s powerful provision. I prefer to focus on how God is moving in my life.
Don’t forget forgiveness. Jesus was clear on this one. We are supposed to forgive each other. Perhaps there is someone in your life whom you’re “supposed” to forgive. There may also be people who are forgiving you. We may be totally unaware of how we have hurt someone with something we’ve said or left undone. If hurts aren’t communicated, they may simply be unknown.
I recently read a book written by John Dawson back in the 1990s called “Healing America’s Wounds.” It’s a bit disheartening that some of the same hurts are now recycling themselves with different labels all these years later. One thought in that book stuck with me. It suggests we should each apologize to another human being about some hurt that we (whether directly or indirectly) have imposed on them. We need to take ownership that we, as a culture, have made mistakes. Seeking forgiveness is so cleansing; I think Jesus knew that when he told us to do it.
Jesus urges us to forgive just as God forgives us. He says, “But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Did you notice the “so that” in this quote? If we want God to forgive our sins, we need to forgive others. Period. You can always ask Jesus to help you forgive if it’s a difficult situation.
Jesus doesn’t back down from a challenge. We see that as he faces these religious leaders who have been chomping at the bit to corner Jesus. I can just picture the scene with the teachers of the law all dressed up in fancy clothes, and Jesus and his followers a little more casual. Then Jesus very creatively evades their advances in the most respectful way.
What did you think of Jesus’ response to the religious leaders? Did he get a little too cheeky? Or perhaps you’re amazed at the restraint Jesus had from telling them exactly on whose authority and then preaching for hours about what it was like to be the Messiah. Jesus chose to dodge their question this time.
What can we take from what Jesus taught us and modeled for us in this passage? He definitely showed us a couple of different sides of his personality. Jesus wanted to teach about faith and trust. At the same time, Jesus shows his ability to stand his ground with the religious leaders who challenged him.
We may find ourselves challenged by others about our faith one day. Jesus answered his question with a brilliant question, leaving the religious leaders without a response. That’s a great communication skill, and Jesus was masterfully respectful in using it.
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord, for revealing yourself a little more with each passage. Help me to pray with unmovable expectancy. I know you are going to move and answer my prayers for help and provision. Equip me for those encounters with people who will challenge my faith and trust in you. Help me to communicate like you with respect and confidence. I am your instrument. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
