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The Barren Fig Tree

The Barren Fig Tree
Published: March 03, 2011 05:00 PM GMT
Updated: February 25, 2011 06:58 AM GMT

There are two different episodes linked together in this passage from Mark’s Gospel, one an allegory to illustrate repentance, the other an event which took place in the Temple. In both of them, the message is: change your lives, because the Endtime is coming, and even more suddenly than you think. To take the second episode first: Jesus enters the Temple courts and is aghast at the blatant commerce going on, with the connivance of the priests and levites. He chases away the money-changers and those who sold pigeons and other offerings. This ‘cleansing of the Temple’ was seen by the early Christians as an authoritative, purifying act of the Messiah. It signifies the Endtime, when the Messiah will come to make all things new. This episode is preceded by an event on the roadside where Jesus curses a fig tree, which later dries up and dies. Many have seen in this symbolic act the curse upon Israel which betrayed its calling. Mark also uses the episode of the fig tree to illustrate a teaching on prayer. Prayer must be confident and persistent, then it will be effective. Prayer must also spring from a forgiving heart in order to be heard. The point is, Jesus says, the Endtime draws near, and anyone and everyone is caught up in death and disaster. So, be ready, he tells his disciples. Repent! Change your ways! Accept God’s will for your life. Don’t think, there’s plenty of time left, because there isn’t. You have been given time, but you have not put it to use.

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