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.

The critics of Jesus made no effort to restrain their anger and contempt. On different occasions they accused him of blasphemy, violating God’s law, and being in partnership with demons. Jesus knew what it was to be the target of others who turned their malice on him. They vented their misery on the Lord as if he were the cause of it rather than the cure.

Righteous people–religious people–and professional clergy “became indignant” when they “saw the wonderful things He had done.” Some of us find it difficult to connect with these people. We feel more like the dying thief who said, “We are receiving what we deserve . . ., but this man has done nothing wrong” (Lk. 23:41). Sadly, there are too many believers who are very like the chief priests and scribes–easily angered and quick to express it.

Jesus was not affected by their anger nor did he throw it back at them. He let himself become their target. When he spoke, it was in defense of others–people in need who came to God’s house of prayer and were being exploited, the blind and lame who came to him to be healed, and the children, who once again enter the story to show adults the way to live and behave before God.

It is the beauty of Your life, O Lord, that makes us love You and long to know You more and more. We are fascinated by the restraint You showed with those who abused You, Your willingness to put up with their cruelty, and, at the same time, Your unrelenting compassion for the sinners, the disabled, the outcasts, the children, and for us.

There was no committee to plan Jesus’ grand entrance into Jerusalem, organize advance rallies, or hang “Jesus is the Messiah” banners. Jesus had to make the preparations himself. No trumpets greeted his arrival, but as soon as he began his descent, the crowds that knew him and his ministry announced him with their voices and provided their coats to give him a red carpet welcome.

When Jesus sent two disciples to fetch his ride, all he gave them was a simple set of instructions. No money, no appointments with important people, and no miracle. However, his instructions called for bold daring on their part. When they began untying the colt that was tethered near the entrance to the village, someone might challenge them and ask, “What do you think you’re doing?”

If that should happen, they were to say, “The Lord has need of them.” That would be their cover. How could bystanders know that by “Lord” the disciples meant Jesus and not the owner?

It is far too easy to get distracted when we are supposed to be doing the Lord’s work. We think we need organizations, funds, months of planning, and hopefully a miracle or two if our efforts are going to amount to anything significant. But there are more resources available to us than we realize. There are plenty of cost-free ways to pursue God’s will that only require faith, courage and daring. Jesus would have it this way, so that he can at all times remain the center of our total attention and devotion.

Only a few moments prior to this scene, the mother of two disciples bowed before Jesus and requested that in his kingdom her two sons would have the honor of sitting one at his right and the other at his left (vv. 20-21). Now two beggars shout at Jesus and they, too, want something from him.

Jesus asked them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” knowing that there was nothing they could ask that he could not give them. When they asked him to open their eyes, his kind heart was moved with compassion, he touched them, and “immediately they regained their sight” (v. 34).

How many people passed the beggars every day without offering them a single coin, a piece of bread, or a cup of water? But Jesus could not pass them by without asking, “What do you want?” Then he satisfied their want, and having received their sight, they were able to follow him.

When people request to meet with me, I could ask, “What do you want?” but there is precious little I can give them. A slice of time, a bit of wisdom, a prayer is about all I have to offer. In fact, there were times when the first thing a counselee said to me was, “I know you can’t do anything for me.” They were right. But when Jesus asks . . . well, that’s a different story.

O Jesus, Son of God, You are all that we need. What do we want, Lord? We may say, “Money to pay bills,” when what we really want is a peace and that cannot be purchased for any amount of money. Not knowing our own hearts, we ask for the best gift, “Lord, we want our eyes to be opened.”