On Discomfort & Fruit Finding
Holy Monday
Matthew 21:1-22, Mark 11:1-19, Luke 19:28-48, John 12:12-19, John 2:13-17
It should be noted that debate exists among biblical scholars regarding the exact sequence of events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. But we do have enough information to help us grasp what this crucial week in Jesus’ life would have looked like. During Holy Week, we’ll spend some time reflecting on events that would ultimately change the course of history. In doing so, may we feel the weight of Jesus’ obedience to his Father and the freedom purchased for us.
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. The adoring public waved palm branches and shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” In God’s providence, Zechariah's prophecy was fulfilled that day. “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Zechariah 9:9
Consider what Jesus must have felt, knowing that the same people waving palm branches in adoration would soon also shout for the release of a criminal and for his own crucifixion. Humanity's frailty and fickle nature would be on display that week and it plagues us to this day. But before we’re quick to condemn the crowds in Jerusalem, it’s worth asking how often we “praise our Lord and Father” one minute and then “curse those made in his likeness” the next. (James 3:9) I’ve been especially convicted about this recently. In fact, I have a profound love/hate relationship with James chapter 3 (and lots of verses in Proverbs too). Words are both my blessing and my curse. I’m asking God to purge me and make me clean and to strip me of any justifications. Whew. May an awareness of our frailty produce gratitude in us for God’s steadfast faithfulness to us.
After spending the night in Bethany, likely in the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, Jesus returned to Jerusalem on Monday. During his journey, he stops to curse a fig tree that bears no fruit. If we claim to follow Jesus, our lives should bear fruit in keeping with the sanctifying work the Spirit is completing in us. Much like a fig tree with no figs, it should give us pause to see a person claiming to be a Jesus follower who bears no fruit. And more than noticing it in others, we should be intolerant of a fruit shortage in our own lives. Being connected to the vine ensures we’ll bear the fruit of that vine. (John 15:1-8)
Upon his arrival in Jerusalem, Jesus finds that money changers have set up shop in the temple. In a display of righteous anger and indignation, Jesus overturns their tables and declares, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” (Luke 19:46) Jesus was passionate about the purity of the temple. The temple was the place where people came to meet with God so Jesus took exception to it being treated with dishonor. Now that the presence of God indwells believers, we have become the temples. And the zeal of God for the honor of his house remains.
Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? … For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple. I Corinthians 3:16-17
On Holy Monday, we see Jesus' passion for fruit bearing and for the holiness of God’s temple.
As you consider your own life, is there any area God is asking you to tend so that it will bear fruit?
Similarly, does any rotten or bruised fruit remain on the vine that should be discarded?
Are you zealous for God’s temple (you) like your heavenly Father?
I’m painfully aware of how frequently I resist the pruning and tending that leads to fruit-bearing. It’s inherently uncomfortable and I flatly resist discomfort. But in order to produce fruit in keeping with repentance, everything unhelpful must be cut back. I am the temple of God, and he is zealous for my purity… and yours.
Jesus, you moved through Monday knowing what was coming on Friday. May I move through today in the awareness that you've ordained my days no matter what’s ahead for me. Show me the areas of my life that need tending and give me the grace to obey. Amen
