The Miracles of Jesus by David Otto

Author:David Otto [Otto, David]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christianity, Spirituality, Miracles, Spiritual Growth, Gospels, Lent, prayer, Christian living, Jesus
ISBN: 9780687090204
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: 2000-06-15T00:00:00+00:00

DAY 21 † FRIDAY

Jesus, who seeks fruit

Read Mark 11:12-25

The Gospel writer cleverly splits in two the story of the curse of the fig tree, interjecting Jesus’ address to the money changers and merchants in the Temple. Perhaps Mark links these two events in his mind. Certainly the two events contain some parallels: Jesus goes to the fig tree to see if it has any fruit but finds none. Jesus goes to the Temple, maybe to worship, but finds nothing but bartering, negotiating, and greed. Jesus proclaims that no one shall eat from the tree again and observes that the Temple has been made “a den of robbers.” Jesus’ expectation of fruit out of season seems a bit unfair, but I think Mark used the tree as a prop to illustrate another point altogether. Trees have seasons for fruit bearing, but it is always fruit-bearing season for the people of God.

When viewing our faith, our churches, or our ministries, God hopes to see devoted lives rather than bickering, negotiating the value of another’s faith, or measuring the worth of others’ commitment to God. If we reduce our spirituality to pride and infighting, then Jesus’ words are damning but true: “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”

We need to keep before us and our worshiping communities the purpose of the Christian life. It is not about making the most money or occupying the fanciest church buildings. It is not about the many mission projects or home groups that we boast about, comparing our brand of Christianity to the church next door. The Christian life and the life of worship involve the gift of presence. This presence in our communities requires us to be the people and places where folk can feel connected with God and in fellowship with other Christ-followers. This approach requires us to deny ourselves and to live in the belief that Christ is indeed the Lord of his church. If Jesus came to you today, would he meet a Christ-follower?

Reflection

What defines your life? In the order of influence, what aspects of your life dictate who you are? Are you first a businessperson, then a sportsperson, and then a Christian? In what area does Christ need to be first so that your entire being bears evidence of his lordship?

Focus for today

Challenge yourself and other Christ-followers to put God first. When you walk into your place of worship, what is the first message you give through your words and actions? Pursue an action that conveys God’s love.

Prayer

Compassionate and caring God, you are quick to forgive and eager to restore. We know that at times we use our faith and our places of worship as instruments to advance our own agendas. We do this to soothe our own consciences, hoping to prove ourselves worthy of your love. Help us bear fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, so that others may come, eat, and be satisfied. Amen.

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