“Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. 12 The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 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. 14 Then he said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard him say it. 15 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, 16 and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17 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.’” Mark 11:11-17 NKJV
“Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.”” Mark 11:20-21 NKJV
Father God,
Sometimes I do not find the headings added by translators helpful. Though at other times they help me find passages. Here I find that to understand why You punished the fig tree I need to read as if the heading were not there. To see what You saw in the Temple and the fig tree..
You were not short tempered, having a bad day or just needing to vent! I used to wonder why that green healthy looking fig tree had to die? For You it symbolised the Temple You had just visited. The Temple looked good and busy like the fig tree looked promising with all its greenery. But both had no fruit. So he made an example of the fig tree. And the following day he spoke to those misusing the Temple. The fig tree is sandwiched between seeing the Temple and your judgement of its state. A sobering thought.
But then You speak to us in John 15. Promising grace and mercy. You are the vine and we the branches and we bear fruit only through You Lord. (John 15:5). You remind us that if we are joined to You, pruning is to help us grow healthy and strong (John 15:20). And we can abide in Your love if we choose to stay (John 15:9).
Choice it always comes back to choice. To go it alone or go with You Father. Allow You to help us grow or go rogue. To bear fruit or be obstinately self reliant . To live or to die. I can be stubborn, obstinate, careless and forgetful. Really? Yes, but I often hide it and only You know my heart Father. So as I am eternally grateful to be grafted into You Father by the blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. I open myself to Your Holy Spirit to be purified, pruned and helped to produce fruit for Your glory. I pray You will persevere in love with me, with those who struggle to let You in or those who want to be good but don’t know how.
In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Worship Tuesday 10th November 2026
Not well known. But give it a try.
For my waking breath, For my daily bread
I depend on You, I depend on You
For the sun to rise, For my sleep at night
Lord, I depend on You, yes, I do, I depend on You
You’re the Way, the Truth, and the Life
You’re the well that never runs dry
I’m the branch and You are the vine
Draw me close and teach me to abide
Where the Spirit leads, As I’m following
Oh, I depend on You (I depend on You), Yes, I depend on You
For the victories,Still in front of me, oh
Oh, I depend on You, Yes, I depend on You
Chorus
Be my strength, my song in the night
Be my all, my treasure, my prize
I am Yours, forever You’re mine
Draw me close and teach me to abide
When I pass through death, As I enter rest
I depend on You, Jesus, I depend on You,
For eternal life, To be raised with Christ
Oh, I depend on You, Yes, I depend on You
Chorus
Be my strength, my song in the night
Be my all, my treasure, my prize
I am Yours, forever You’re mine
Draw me close and teach me to abide
Here I am Lord to teach me to abide . . . .
I depend on You . . . . (repeat)
Lyrics: Aaron Keyes, Aaron Williams, Jake Fauber (Dwell)
Based in Little Rock, Dwell Songs is a community of worship leaders and musicians who are passionate about seeing spiritual renewal and awakening in this generation. Led by Aaron Williams, Dwell Songs is part of the Dwell movement, a broader discipleship and worship movement that equips and empowers young leaders through events, resources, and community