Holy Week – Monday – Fruit and Temples
Easter is not a day – it is a season and a way of life. It’s being intentional about choosing to see Jesus in every moment of your life and not only imagining walking with Him, but actually living in a vibrant and personal relationship with Him.
During this passion week put yourself in the moments of each day by visualizing yourself being right there, with Jesus. What would you do? What would you say? How would you feel? Make it personal.
The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. (Mark 11:12-14)
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’
The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching. (Mark 11:12-19)
One of the first things mentioned in this passage was that Jesus was hungry. He experienced the same emotions and needs that we do which is why we know with assurance, that when we go to Him in prayer, He knows and He understands. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
His passion when He drove out the money changers at the temple showed how strongly He feels about the intimate relationship that takes place between God and us as we pray and worship Him. His desire is that we would not allow anything to rob us of that priceless gift.
These two unusual incidents go together and can teach us valuable lessons if we choose to see ourselves in them.
In our lives, every word and every action is fruit from our hearts. We either draw people to Christ by them or push them away because of them. When we repent of our sins (clearing our own temple) and receive Jesus as Lord of our lives He changes our hearts. Our attitudes, actions, words, and perspectives change as we walk in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. When our hearts change, our fruit changes.
As our lives produce the fruits of the Spirit which are; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control, our actions no longer hinder others from wanting to know Christ. Rather, that fruit is exactly what will draw others to Him.
Jesus said, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” As a believer you are personally a House of Prayer. God’s word tells us that after you receive Jesus Christ as your Savior, you become a temple of the Holy Spirit – a place where we worship in spirit and truth. He also gave us the great commission go and make disciples of all nations. The way we live our lives in relationship with Christ, demonstrates to others the gift of grace that is available to them as well.
Christ himself was a house of prayer and he was teaching his disciples to become one by modeling this for them when He continually withdrew and was talking with His Father and drawing strength from that intimate relationship He had with Him. That same intimate relationship is one we can have because Jesus Christ came and died on a cross to pay the price for us with his life.
As a believer, His Holy Spirit lives within us and will help us become a vessel that draws people to God if we choose to be that house of prayer rather than seeking our own self interests.
His sacrifice for us should fuel a passion to live for Him. Producing fruit that is ready for His use at any moment and in any way that would honor Him. Creating a desire to clear our hearts of anything that hinders not only ourselves, but others from drawing near to Him.
If Jesus asked you for fruit today, would you have any to give to Him? Would you have love for the unlovable, joy for the down hearted, peace for the worried, patience for others, kindness for your enemies, goodness for those who persecute you, faithfulness to God, gentleness to overcome pride and comparison and self control to respond when the Holy Spirit leads?
Would you be someone that people were drawn to because of the acceptance and grace that dwells within you?
Jesus showed us by His example that this is all possible. It is why people then and now are passionately drawn to Him.
Father, just the thought of walking with You brings joy to my heart. I pray that we will dig deeper this week and truly clear our heart and minds of anything that hinders our walk with You. Help us to bear fruit Lord that will draw others to You. Fuel a passion in us for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Go deeper with Passion Week Readings
- Cursing the fig tree – Matthew 21: 18-19
- Cleanses the temple – Luke 19:45-48