Today, we continue tracing the footsteps of Jesus, as Monday morning he returned with his disciples to
Jerusalem. Along the way, Jesus
cursed a fig tree because it had failed to bear fruit. Some scholars believe this cursing of the fig tree represented God's judgment on the spiritually dead religious leaders of Israel. Others believe the symbolism extended to all believers, demonstrating that genuine, living
faith is more than just outward religiosity. True faith must bear spiritual fruit in a person's life.
When Jesus arrived at the Temple he found the courts full of corrupt
money changers. He began overturning their tables and clearing 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)
On Monday evening Jesus stayed in Bethany again, probably in the home of his friends, Mary, Martha, and
Lazarus.
