[New podcast link below.]

In Mark 11 Jesus says something pretty harsh to a fig tree with leaves but no figs: “May no one ever eat fruit from you again” (verse 14).

From there he went into the temple in Jerusalem and overturned the tables of the money-changers. Can you imagine the scene! Perhaps we could call it righteous anger. Quoting the prophets Isaiah and then Jeremiah, Jesus cried out: “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.’”

The next day the disciples saw that the fig tree had withered to its roots.

Larry Hurtado explains the connection between the fig tree and the temple: “the temple was like the fig tree. Outwardly, the temple was an impressive institution, suggesting great devotion to God. But Jesus’ inspection of the temple indicated it was a hollow show, and that the priestly leadership was far more interested in revenue from the merchants than in reverence for God.”*

The whole story makes us reflect on our own lives, and upon the sincerity of our own faith.

Are we simply going through the motions? 

Are we praising God with our lips but not with our hearts? 

Are we more concerned with church budgets than with living the Great Command and fulfilling the Great Commission? 

Do we say we follow Christ but actually follow the ways of the world? 

Do we say we love Scripture but most days leave it on the shelf? 

Do we identify with the body of Christ but stay at home on Sunday mornings?

We all get off track from time to time. Fortunately, ours is a God who forgives. Let’s not rob ourselves of who were made to be, and of the joy which God intends for us.

When it comes to our discipleship, where are we simply going through the motions? Let’s course correct, and come back in line with the Lord who wants incredible and life-giving things for his people.

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Notes:

-“What can we learn from Jesus’ personal devotional life?” New podcast episode.
Do you want to be “like Jesus”? Many people say yes–but neglect the formative practices that help get them there. This audio essay is an invitation to become more like Jesus by more closely emulating his own spiritual practices. These reveal something of his “hidden inner life” from which he drew strength. Click here, or find it on ‘The Pulse Podcast with Matthew Ruttan’ wherever you listen (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.)

-The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and returns on March 31, 2025.

-Larry W. Hurtado, Mark (Grand Rapids: BakerBooks, 1989), 183.

-Bible quotes are from the NIV.