Barton's Bible Study Notes

Life of Christ: Unit 41 - Sections 143-148

Read Matthew 21:18-22 and Mark 11:12-14 and 20-26. Jesus stayed in Bethany, probably at the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, then He went into Jerusalem. He would then leave the city, return to Bethany and go back into Jerusalem in the morning. Matthew and Mark both record the incident of the fig tree for us. While Matthew’s account to us seems to say that this all happened on one trip (i.e., the cursing of the tree, the withering, the questions and our Lord’s answers), it took place over two days, as is seen more clearly in Mark’s account. We must remember while today, we usually place things in chronological order, expecting it to be this way and to be so noted if it is not, there was not such as strong an expectation in Matthew’s day. A writer might place things in any order to suit his intentions without noting it did not occur in the order given. Matthew is looking at the event as a whole and places the two days together. When Matthew states the withering took place at once, it certainly did, whether it happened within seconds of our Lord’s curse or over a few hours. A few hours certainly is “at once” as far as withering a tree is concerned. What seems evident is that the disciples did not notice this result, however quickly it occurred, until the next day on their way into town.

1. If this were not the season for figs, why would Jesus expect to find fruit on the tree?

2. When Peter states that our Lord cursed this tree, it does not mean our Lord used strong language or profanity. To curse something here means to pronounce that something bad or unfortunate will happen. The curse upon the tree was that “No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.”“No longer shall there ever be any fruit from you.” and “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” This passage seems to portray, to our way of thinking, that our Lord was disappointed or angry that there were no figs and spoke these words in response to those feelings. Why do you think our Lord pronounced this curse upon the tree?

3. What lesson or lessons do you think Jesus was teaching His disciples?

4. Given this truth, why is it, do you suppose, that very few mountains are moved?

Read Matthew 21:12-17, Mark 11:15-19, Luke 19:45-48 and 21:37-38. Jesus drove the merchants from the Temple twice in His ministry. The first time was at the beginning of His ministry (See Unit 5 and John 2:14-22.). Now at the end of His earthly ministry in His first advent, He again does this. This was on Tuesday, the day after the crowds hailed Him into Jerusalem with shouts of “Hosanna!” Our Lord visited the Temple on that day but did not do anything. He looked around then returned to Bethany. Without a doubt, He saw all the religious merchandising taking place but did nothing that day. In all likelihood, the reason was that the crowds were too on edge, and He did not want to start a riot that would quickly bring down the Roman authorities. The next day He does take action and drives the merchants out. Instead of taking action against the pagan rulers, our Lord acts against the religious system itself.

5. What did Jesus do when He entered the Temple?

6. What was the reaction of the religious leadership?

7. Why could they not do what they wanted to do?

8. Are our churches today businesses or houses of prayer?

The Applications:

What are the applications of these passages to our lives today? Identify as many as you are able.