Passion Week - Tuesday

Each day this week, we're looking at the day by day unfolding of the Passion Week. Today, Jesus visits the Temple in a preview of upcoming events.

"Turns out that Jesus wasn't just an angry gardener ... He had a reason for cursing that fig tree yesterday. Israel, like that tree, had given indications of life without much fruit; they'd forgotten all God's instructions. And yet, in the midst of a busy day and hectic week, Jesus chose to stop and teach His people ... again. It may seem confusing (and googling explanations of it today might not seem to bring much clarity.) But in the midst of it all, one thing is clear: the end of sin is coming. The bulk of Jesus' teaching is found in Matthew, but it's a good read. So..." 

Matt	Mark	Luke	John
21:20 – 25:46	11:20 – 13:37	20:1 – 21:36	- - -

SUMMARY

Heading back to Jerusalem from Bethany, Jesus’ disciples see the withered tree.  After engaging in conflict with the Pharisees, Jesus gives a long sermon on the Mt of Olives. ^{(The “Olivet Discourse”)}

FOR REFLECTION

Read Isaiah 5:1-7 … God has done everything necessary for us His people to bear fruit and to function in the way He wanted them to … sadly, their rebellion earned God’s angered response (see Is 5:8-30!)  And yet, Jesus came not to bring God’s wrath, but to bear it Himself.

Jesus, we need You … we stood as guilty as the ancient Israelites of neglecting to live for God’s glory, deserving to suffer under God’s anger.  Jesus, had you not come for us, we would have been without hope.

FOR FURTHER READING ... click here.