Jesus the Judge?

JESUS THE JUDGE?

Mark 11:12-26

Fig Tree and the Father’s House:
Mark 11:12-26, Isaiah 56:1-12, Jeremiah 7:1-11, Jeremiah 8:13

• Cursed Fig Tree – best viewed as an acted parable symbolizing God’s judgement against the spiritual unfruitfulness of Israel and the Temple itself.
• OT Quotation – due to corruption and deception, the Temple had failed to become what it was meant to be.
• Jesus’ Actions – characteristic of Old Testament prophets and kings.

So What Does This Mean for Me/Us?

• Jesus is the King who has the authority to pronounce judgment against spiritual unfaithfulness and unfruitfulness.
  John 5:21-22, Acts 10:42
• Followers of Jesus have the responsibility to bear fruit.
  John 15:1-8, Galatians 5:22

Jesus’ threefold lesson:

1. Have faith in God, not the house of God and its system.
2. Prayers offered in faith are aligned with God’s will.
3. Faith in God requires a willingness to forgive others.