Tuesday of Passion Week was a day of teaching. The Jewish leaders put increasing pressure on Jesus through multiple questions, seeking to trap Him in His words in hopes of turning the people against Him. Jesus challenged them with His answers, seeking to expose their false beliefs. But with His disciples He gave a lesson on the power of faith. It is on that lesson I want to concentrate today.
"Now in the morning, as He returned to the city, He was hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, 'Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately the fig tree withered away" (Matt. 21:18-19).
On the way into Jerusalem, Jesus saw a fig tree in full leaf. It was early in the season for the tree to be in full leaf, making it possible to have early figs—but it does not. So, Jesus cursed the tree and it withered. This presents Jesus with an opportunity to teach the disciples about the power of faith.
"And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, 'How did the fig tree wither away so soon?' So Jesus answered and said to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, "Be removed and be cast into the sea," it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive'" (vs. 20-22).
When the disciples asked Him what had just happened, Jesus shifted the focus to prayer. Though the disciples do not yet understand, they will be the instrument by which people everywhere will be transformed. Through them lives will be changed. And it is by the power of faithful prayer that this will take place.
So, the cursing of this fig tree is really about us. Again, Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' it will be done. And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive" (vs. 21-22).
If you "have faith and do not doubt" (v. 21a), you will produce spiritual fruit. Prayer is a powerful thing. The prayer of faith can move mountains, spiritually speaking. James said, "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:16b). "And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive" (Matt. 21:22). With the prayer of faith, great things can be done for Christ. Only believe! Amen.
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