DAY 3 - APR 4

PREPARATION

For one minute, take deep breaths and stay silent. Breathe out the cares of the day upon the Lord. Breathe in the peace of God.

PRAYER

Our Father in heaven, 

You are holy and above all,

Bring your kingdom in me, through me, and around me today,

May your good will come today just like heaven,

Give me simply what I need for today,

Forgive my sins as I forgive those who have sinned against me,

Lead me away from temptation and protect me from the 

evil one,

To you alone receive the power, glory, and honor forever. Amen. 

SCRIPTURE READING: Mark 11:12-14 and Mark 11:20-21

COMMENTARY

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, it is obvious that he enjoyed using nature to explain deeper spiritual truths. Jesus’ temple cleansing is sandwiched between the story of the cursed fig tree. In his hunger, Jesus must have been excited to see the fresh fruit of a fig tree. What a disappointment to see that although the fig tree had leaves, it was completely empty of fruit. Pointing to a greater spiritual truth, Jesus declared judgment on the fig tree for pretending to be fruitful. After the temple cleansing, Peter pointed out to Jesus that the curse came true, and the fig tree had withered.

What spiritual truth is Jesus teaching his disciples? Well, it was not a new lesson, in fact it was a lesson Jesus taught often (Matthew 7:16-20). In this case, Jesus is declaring over God’s chosen people, Israel, they are like the fig tree because they have no spiritual fruit being produced in their lives. Their corruption of the sacrificial system as well as their injustice and legalism had proven for centuries they lacked fruit God desired in their lives. Israel’s lack of love reflected the state of their corrupt hearts. They needed a new heart with Spirit-led motivations, desires, and commitment to the way of Jesus (Ezekiel 36:26). In a few days’ time, the fruit of Jesus’ life would lead him to die on a cross for their sins and offer them a new heart that would finally be able to produce loving fruit.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- Inward: Is there an area in your life where you lack love and need Jesus to give you love-filled motivation and desire?

- Outward: Is there someone you can encourage and pray for today who has fell into a slump of religious legalism and is not producing Spirit-filled fruit in their lives?

KIDS REFLECTION QUESTIONS

- What would you think if you were really hungry like Jesus and came across some amazing food only to realize that it was fake?

- Is there anyone in your life that it is really hard to love? How can you pray for them right now?

PROMISE
“The time is coming when Jacob’s descendants will take root. Israel will bud and blossom and fill the whole earth with fruit!” – Isaiah 27:6

PRAYER
Jesus, thank you for your love for me today.

May I receive your love as I go about my daily tasks.

May I submit to your kingship as I walk in your kingdom.

May I be filled with your Spirit as I follow you.

May your kingdom come and will be done in my life today.