The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world…” John 1: 29, NKJV
Precious Lord, please guide our thoughts as we seek to serve You better, by understanding Your word. Please be with us as we study; for Christ’s sake; Amen
It is Monday. Things seem to be back to normal in Jerusalem. The pomp and euphoria experienced during the procession is over. It is back to life as usual, or, is it?
On Sunday, as Jesus drew near to Jerusalem, from where He sat, He could see unfolded as a great mural, the final episodes of His life here on earth. Gethsemane, the garden He had so often visited with a group of His disciples to pray to His Father was in full view. But this time, going there would be different. In this familiar place, the final destiny of the world would be decided once and for all. The sheepgate was also in view. It was a reminder that He, the Antitypical Lamb of God, was soon to be sacrificed. Calvary, the place of His execution. He, who had no sin would hang upon a tree between two thieves. But it was not because of what was about to befall Him that He wept. He wept as He thought about the suffering that awaited His beloved people because of their rejection of the mercy He had offered them (The Desire of Ages, p. 503).
Among the throng were Roman officers. The religious leaders started spreading rumors that Christ intended to initiate a rebellion, and rule as king in Jerusalem. But the peaceful demeanor of Christ had such an influence upon these officers that they rebuked the religious leaders, and instead accused them, of causing disruption. In the midst of this turmoil, Jesus departed and entered the temple. With deep sadness He contemplated the scene. Soon the religious rulers of this beautiful, wonder of the world, would seal their eternal destiny! His heart was pained. Slowly He walked away with His disciples (The Desire of Ages, pp. 507, 508). Jesus “went out of the city to Bethany, where He spent the night” (17, NIV).
Such were the memories of yesterday.
Today, Jesus leaves Bethany early, and starts back to the city. He is hungry. He sees a fig tree some distance away that appears to be in full bloom. He walks over to the tree to pick some fruit. To His complete amazement, there is nothing but leaves on the tree. Jesus curses the fig tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again” (Mark 11: 12-14, NIV). His disciples heard Him. Is there a lesson we can learn from the “cursed” fig tree? Tomorrow we will find out.