Passage
Mark 11:12-19 (ESV)
Fallen Babylon
Revelation 18:1-24
Key Verse: 18:4
Jesus Searches for Fruit
Date: May. 26, 2016
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 11:17
First, a fruitless tree (12-15). As they returned to Jerusalem in the morning from Bethany, Jesus was hungry. In the distance, he saw a fig tree that looked very promising. It was full of leaves and should have at least had some figs that were developing. But as Jesus approached the tree, he saw that it had nothing but leaves and so he cursed the tree. In this way, Jesus provided a powerful illustration for his disciples. Jerusalem, with its ornate temple and colorful festivals looked great from a distance, but upon closer inspection, no fruit could be found. Because of this, the city would be judged.
Second, a fruitless temple (16-19). When Jesus reached the temple courts, he saw the hustle and bustle of a busy market. Merchants and money changers were making huge profits from those who
had come to worship while others were using the temple courts as a shortcut to transport their goods. This was completely wrong! The temple was to be a house of prayer for all nations and the temple courts a place where Gentiles could come and worship the living God. Jesus cleared the temple, but the leaders refused to repent.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to bear fruit that pleases you.
One Word: Jesus is searching for fruit in our lives
