~Today focus on your faith and the peace Jesus can bring you! On Holy Monday morning, they came from Bethany and along the way he cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God’s judgement on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel, while others believe the symbolism extends to all believers, that genuine faith comes from within, and living faith must bear spiritual fruit in a person’s life. Jesus’ actions here are symbolic, reminding us about the hypocrisy of all who have the appearance they are bearing fruit (truly faithful) but in fact they are not. (Mark 11:12-14)
They went on to the Temple in Jerusalem, when Jesus went in, he found the courts full of corrupt money changers. He began to flip the tables over and told them to clear the Temple, saying, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (Luke 19:46). In these two situations on Monday of Holy week Jesus tells us two important lessons. First, have true worship of our Lord, be truly faithful from deep in our hearts and authentically love your neighbor as ourselves and spread the Gospel throughout your relationships. Secondly, remember Jesus cleansed the Temple just has He can cleanse you; Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
Be reminded of His power today He brings a supernatural peace; He gives us peace that the world cannot give to you, a peace that you cannot find without Him. He will bring peace to you and to the world. Picture done by Michael Belk from the book, Journeys with the Messiah.
