Mark arranges this two-part episode before and after Jesus' cleansing of the Temple in order to highlight its use as a symbolic representation. The fig tree in the story is 1st century Israel, specifically the Temple and what transpires there. From a distance it appears healthy, busy even, but up close there is no fruit. Like the fig tree, judgement is at hand for the Temple. This contrasts strongly with the Messianic expectations of many, coming only two days after the Triumphal Entry. Given this reversal, that judgement not a Golden Age is on the horizon, Jesus offers a timeless truth, "have faith in God". Faith is necessary for God's people, in good times or bad, and even when this world seems the darkest (like it was about to on Good Friday), hope remains because faith in God can move mountains. The Temple's day of judgment was at hand, but God had already provided a new and better way to approach him, through faith in Jesus Christ.
This blog serves as an outreach for Pastor Randy Powell of the First Baptist Church of Franklin, PA. Feel free to ask questions or send me an e-mail at pastorpowell@hotmail.com
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