Day Sixty-three – Matthew 21:18-22

Jesus became hungry, he became thirsty, he became weary (Jn. 4:6; 19:28). Jesus was a human who had needs that were identical to our own.

See if you can make sense of this: Jesus would not turn a rock into bread to satisfy his hunger, but he would curse–and instantly destroy–a fig tree that failed to give him something to eat, regardless of the fact that it was not the season for figs. Why would he not instead miraculously put figs on the tree?

The fig tree is a symbol that explains everything that happens in this chapter from verses 12 to 46. It represents a fruitless religious system that had failed its purpose and calling.

Jesus went to the tree because he wanted to satisfy something within himself, a hunger, and the tree failed to do that for him. Do not waste time wondering whether Jesus was fair with the tree, but think of Jesus. He gave the tree an opportunity to serve his purpose, to meet his longing.

May we remember, O Lord, that You do not come to us like a tax collector, telling us, “You owe God! Pay up.” Instead, You come to us with a longing. You give us the opportunity to open our heart, to share with the needy, to give food to the hungry and water to those who thirst. You teach us that nothing can stand in our way, because with faith we can move mountains. Then You give us the privilege of doing the things You long to see done.