Title: Jesus Longing for Fruit
Contents
Gospel of Mark
11:12 The next day, when they came out of Bethany, Jesus was hungry.
11:13 When he saw a fig tree with leaves in the distance, he went to see if there was anything in it.
When he went and looked, he saw nothing but a leaf, for it was not the season for figs.
11:14 Jesus spoke to the tree, saying,
From now on, no man shall eat of you from any fruit.” The disciples heard this
11:15 And they entered Jerusalem, and Jesus entered the temple, and drove out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who sold doves.
11:16 He did not allow anyone to bring anything into the temple.
11:17 Then he taught, saying, As it is written
Didn't I say that my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?
You have made a den of robbers.
11:18 When the chief priests and scribes heard it, they plotted how to kill Jesus.
For all the multitudes marveled at his teaching, and they feared him.
11:19 And as it was evening they went out of the city.
11:20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw that the fig tree had dried up by its roots.
11:21 Then Peter remembered and said to him, Rabbi, behold, the fig tree you cursed has dried up.
11:22 Jesus answered them and said to them, Believe in God
11:23 Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, Be lifted up, and be thrown into the sea,
If you believe that what you say will come true and do not doubt in your heart, it will be done for you.
11:24 Therefore I say to you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it.
Then it will be for you.
11:25 When you stand and pray, forgive anyone who charges you
Then your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.
1. Jesus wanted the fruit of the fig tree (11:12-14).
1) Jesus experienced human weakness.
2) The fig tree only had leaves.
3) We too must not become a fig tree with only lush leaves while we live our life of faith.
4) We can bear fruit when we act according to faith and the Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus wanted the fruit of the temple. (11:15-19)
1) Jesus drives out those who buy and sell in the temple.
2) Jesus overturns the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those who sell doves.
3) Jesus does not allow anyone to bring anything into the temple.
4) The temple has lost its essence as a temple.
5) Even our church today must not lose the essence of the church.
3. Jesus wants the fruit of prayer. (11:20-25)
1) The key to answering prayer 1: Believe in God.
2) Key to answer prayer 2: You must have faith that God can do anything.
3) Key to answer prayer 3: You must conform to God's will.
4) Key to prayer answer 4: Forgive others.