Matthew 21:18-22
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
In today’s passage we see Jesus perform the second of two highly symbolic actions in the days before his arrest. Read Matthew 21:18-22 taking note of any questions that arise or anything that stands out as you read.
Throughout the Older Testament trees are used as symbols for nations, and the planting and uprooting of trees are metaphors for God’s ultimate power over the nations and systems of the world. If we read the story of the fig tree through that lens we can better understand why Jesus would perform a miracle of destruction rather than restoration in the final days before his arrest.
We have seen Jesus cleanse the temple, the physical place where people go to be in the presence of God, and now as Jesus returns to the most important city in Israel, he passes the fig tree in full leaf and searches among the leaves for fruit but finds none.
Recall the words of Jesus below from Matthew 7: 15-20:
“Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.”
Take some time to get still and quiet in the presence of Jesus. Then consider asking him to give you insight into today’s passage and the words above. Share your thoughts openly with him.
Read Matthew 21:18-22 again.
We have seen in Matthew’s Gospel that Jesus came to gather a new community that would live as the people of God. Just as Jesus came to restore all things to God’s original intent, our lives are meant to be full of the fruit of restoration. For the final minutes of this meditation, read the words of Jesus below from John’s Gospel slowly and prayerfully - as if Jesus were speaking them directly to you.
“… I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.” – John 15:5-8
What might Jesus be saying to you through your time in these passages today?
What will you do about that?
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