We must partner with God in our salvation. The Sower sowed good seed. The faith of the people was hindered by the Jewish leadership. The environment was not receptive to the redemption of Israel by Christ. Being without proof of God we must believe in God by faith. “Without faith it is impossible to please Him.” If we refuse the seed of the word of God we will die unfruitful, separated and lost. Believing in God because of proof is not faith. The will of man is stronger than God’s will.
“…without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6
***
92: Jesus Condemns A Fig Tree
Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-26
The next morning after his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples left Bethany, where they had spent the night, to return to the city.
On the way Jesus was hungry. Seeing a fig tree from afar, he went to it expecting to find some fruit. But the tree contained nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for fruit. Jesus said to the tree:
“Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward forever.”
When next they passed the tree, seeing that it was withered from the roots up, Peter said to Jesus:
“Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.”
Jesus replied to him:
“Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, ‘Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea,’ and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith. Therefore I say unto you, ‘What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.’ And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any, that your Father also which is in Heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in Heaven forgive your trespasses.”
93: Jesus Cleanses The Temple
Matthew 21:10-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48
When Jesus came to Jerusalem he went into the temple. He began to cast out those who bought and sold therein, overthrew the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of those who sold doves. He would not permit anyone to carry anything through the temple. He taught and said:
“It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,’ but ye have made it a den of thieves.”
The chief priests and scribes, when they saw the wonders Jesus performed, were greatly displeased and sought to destroy him but were afraid of the multitude who listened eagerly to his words.
Then the afflicted came to Jesus in the temple and were healed. The people listened attentively to his doctrines and were astonished at his words and deeds.
Children sang in the temple, saying:
“Hosanna to the son of David.”
The words of the children and the crowd angered the authorities, and the chief priests and scribes said to Jesus:
“Hearest what they say?”
Jesus replied to them:
“Yea, have ye never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?’”