Mini Commentary (10/20/09)

I read a bunch today, but didn't have time to write up any more...


Matthew 21:19 "And seeing a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves, and said to it, 'Let no fruit grow on you ever again.' Immediately the fig tree withered away."

This may seem harsh, but Jesus is using this fig tree to give an example to the disciples. MacArthur says that this passage is talking about Israel’s fruitlessness. They rejected Christ, and therefore will be judged accordingly. However, I believe that this can also apply to every Christian. I believe that God will judge a Christian who lives out his life for himself. As Christians, we must produce fruit! It not only furthers the Gospel, but is proof that we are, in fact, Christian. What good is a "Fig" tree if it doesn't grow figs? Why is it even called a fig tree? BECAUSE IT GROWS FIGS. Why would we call ourselves Christians if we don't produce fruit?


Matthew 22:22, 33, 46 "Jesus' Teaching is Amazing"

In all three of these verses, the crowds were astonished by what Jesus was saying! In 22 He answered the Pharisees question about taxes in a way they hadn't planned on. The people "marveled" at His words. In 33 He silences the Sadducees by explaining a small part of Heaven to them. The people were "astonished" by his teaching. Finally in 46 He had turned the tables and questioned the Pharisees. They could not answer his brilliant question and "nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore." Christ boggled the minds of the greatest scholars of the day, yet how often do we find ourselves amazed or astonished at the Bible? How often do we just sit back and say "Wow, the Creator of Heaven and Earth has spoken here" and marveled at its truth and power?