Monday… The Journey to the Cross
On Monday morning Jesus and the twelve disciples leave Bethany to return to Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus looks up at a fig tree and sees it is barren and curses the fig tree.
The fig trees of Israel are fruit bearing. Usually the fig tree blooms in the spring and normally produces two crops of figs each year. The tree should have had “taksh” (small edible growths) on it that fall from the tree when the figs ripen. Without the taksh the tree will not produce figs.
“Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, go, throw yourself into the sea and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” – Matt. 21:21-22 (NIV)
When they arrive in Jerusalem, Jesus enters the Temple and cleanses it. He overturns the tables of the money changers and those who are selling doves.
He leaves the city and heads back to Bethany.
Additional Reading:
Matthew 21:12–22
Mark 11:22–26
Luke 19:45-46
Mark 11:19
