Holy Monday 2015

12 The next day as Jesus was leaving Bethany, he became hungry. 13 Seeing a fig tree in leaf from far away, he went to see if it had any figs on it. But he found no figs, only leaves, because it was not the right season for figs. 14 So Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And Jesus’ followers heard him say this.

In defense of the fig tree, why would it be blooming out of season? Are we the fig tree? Do we use those excuses? “I only have time for church at Christmas and Easter.” “I have too many bills this time of year to give to the church.” “I’ll get involved when the kids are out of school.”

So what happened to that fig tree?

20 The next morning as Jesus was passing by with his followers, they saw the fig tree dry and dead, even to the roots. 21 Peter remembered the tree and said to Jesus, “Teacher, look! The fig tree you cursed is dry and dead!”

But what was the real point that Jesus was trying to make?

22 Jesus answered, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, fall into the sea.’ And if you have no doubts in your mind and believe that what you say will happen, God will do it for you. 24 So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you. 25 When you are praying, if you are angry with someone, forgive him so that your Father in heaven will also forgive your sins. [ 26 But if you don’t forgive other people, then your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.]”

(Mark 11:12-14, 20-26, New CenturyVersion)

Have faith, believe, know that every prayer you send to your Heavenly Father is answered, with God’s answer and not always the one you had wanted. Do not doubt that you can bloom even out of season.