THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Holy Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Lord, early Tuesday morning, after spending the night in Bethany with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary, you and your disciples headed toward Jerusalem. A full day of ministry at the Temple lay ahead, and a healthy snack seemed warranted for the boost of energy needed.   

When you created figs, you knew they would be one of man’s favorite fruits. They must have been one of your favorites too. As your group walked along, you came to a fig tree you had probably seen many times. So, when you veered off the pathway toward the tree, your band of followers followed suit.

What a disappointment. From the road, the blooming fig tree promised to be loaded with delicious fruit, but when you reached the tree, not a single fig was anywhere to be found. Fig trees are supposed to produce figs. And it was fig season.  The tree was in full bloom and should have been loaded with figs. So where were the figs? You cursed this fig tree for not producing fruit.  By the next day, the fig tree stood barren, completely withered.

Lord, as you always do, you turned this fig-less fig tree into a spiritual lesson. You taught when an organization, a group, or any religious institution that claims to be of God or from God, and on the outside appears to be healthy and righteous, but a closer examination finds it to be empty, just a shell of what they advertise, Lord, you cannot bless that entity. That endeavor will wither and die (Mark 11:20–25). Without your blessings, these entities produce little to no spiritual fruit.

Lord, we need your blessings. As Christ followers, help us be ready. All people will have a “holy Tuesday” moment at some time. Will they be attracted to our walk of faith?  When we are examined, may they find the spiritual fruit they need is alive and well, and will give them the spiritual boost they need. Lord, may our figs be what people are looking for.

Amen, Jesus.