Why Jesus Cursed the Fig Tree and "Flipped Out" in the Temple: The Mark Series pt 42 (

Jesus isn't "acting like Jesus" here. He does a number of things that simply don't fit our modern pacified version of Jesus. And that's a good thing. I don't want to fall into the pacified version of Jesus that our culture likes but I also don't want to act like Jesus' radical and aggressive actions of cursing the fig tree and kicking people and animals out of the temple while flipping tables is somehow an excuse for me to overstep my own authority and act sinfully in my own anger just because I think I am in the right. But, there's more to this passage than just finding the balance of how we can apply Jesus' extreme actions. We need to see the theological message of the passage as well as apply it into our lives by seriously evaluating our own status as the "temple of the Holy Spirit" and restoring the purpose of prayer and relationship with God in our lives.
Craig Evan's article, which had a lot of interesting historical insights into this passage.
"Jesus' Action in the Temple: Cleansing or Portent of Destruction?"
www.jstor.org/stable/43717764...
See the WHOLE Gospel of Mark playlist here • The Gospel of Mark Ser...
My website BibleThinker.org

[@changeslc5409]

I feel like I'm at the bottom of a pit lookin up. asking you guys to pray for me. I have been struggling with alcohol.

[@livewireOrourke]

I'll keep you in my prayers.

[@KatKanada_TM]

I will keep you in my prayers a well.

[@arthurbrugge2457]

Do you have anyone who can help you?

[@shebear7542]

It's too big for you but not too big for Him. Can you turn it over to him? Twelve step groups have helped me a lot

[@t.quinoa1800]

Praying for you! Don’t be afraid of seeking professional help. ❤️

[@IsaacG8]

The "you think you're judging the gospel but the gospel is judging you, your response to it is how you will be judged," part was so profound. Going to use that.

[@kfghvvpvfdvh8411]

Did you ever stop to wonder why Jesus cursed the fig tree in Mark Chapter 11? The truth is I really didn’t understand the subtle yet significant message Jesus was teaching until I began propagating and growing fig trees, and now that I know the context of the story, and something about fig trees, I want to share it with you as well. The account begins the day following Jesus entering Jerusalem on what we call “Palm Sunday”, days before Jesus would be crucified. On the previous day he had visited the temple and saw everything going on at His Father’s (God’s) house. He saw the buying, selling and merchandising - the great sin of the priests who were profiting and taking advantage of pilgrims who were faithfully coming to celebrate Passover. After spending the night in Bethany it goes on to say: Mark 11:12-14 Later ‘that’ day the account goes on to say that he went to the temple and cast the money changers and merchandisers out, turning over their tables. In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. (Mark 11:20-22) Now it probably seems strange that Jesus cursed a tree just because he was hungry and was disappointed, but we’d be missing out on what Jesus was teaching His disciples if we didn’t look closer. The significance of the Breba crop Did you know that many fig trees bear more than just one crop? There is something we today call a ‘Breba’ crop, or an ‘out of season’ crop. The Breba crop is produced on ‘a mature branch’ the previous year’s wood, unlike the main crop of figs that grow on the current year’s new, green wood. The Breba crop is small in number but often produces the very largest, sweet figs, a time when no other tree is anywhere close to ripening fruit. You see, the leafy tree in the distance was holding out the promise of fruit (blessing… sustenance… life). People had gone all winter without fresh fruit and looked forward to these ‘Breba’ figs, so of course Jesus fully and rightfully expected that the tree would naturally have early fruit growing on ‘a mature branch’. But there is always more to the story isn’t there? Jesus was “expecting to find fruit” from the mature wood, and at a time when it was most desired in early spring (at about the time of Passover) and because it was expected and sent him away hungry, it was a tree holding out promise, but upon further investigation it was found lacking. It was a fig tree that didn’t provide what it was created to provide. The Jewish leaders - the Priests, Rabbis, Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and others were in fact, Israel’s ‘mature branches’. Created to bear good fruit When Jesus had entered Jerusalem the previous day, he was expecting to find the religious leaders feeding spiritual fruit to the hungry pilgrims, many of whom had come to the Passover celebration to find sustenance. They came to the temple expecting to be fed, but only found disappointment. The religious leaders who were ordained (created) to feed them the good things of God, presented themselves like early leaves; holding out the promise of fruit, but they were in fact fruitless. Instead of providing nourishment, they were taking advantage of the people and sending them away hungry - just as Jesus was left hungry by the fruitless fig tree. Jesus was conveying both a prophetic and practical message to his disciples: If you are created to bear good fruit, but are rebellious and refuse to bear fruit, you will be cursed. His words were, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:14) In 70 AD (less than a generation later) when the Jews rebelled against Rome, the temple was destroyed. The priests were expelled or killed, and the temple was set on fire to recover the gold adorning the temple and then taken apart block by block to recover that gold. In a somewhat related verse, Jesus spoke the following words: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, ‘thrown into the fire and burned’. (John 15:5-6) Many people wander about in our world, hungry for the things of God. As we know, you and I were created and equipped to bear good fruit - both the early and hungrily anticipated ‘Breba’ crop and likewise the ‘main season’ sustaining crop; so that no one, not a single person, should ever have to go away hungry.

[@kfghvvpvfdvh8411]

God gives good gifts. When he gave Israel to the Jewish people, it was not just any old piece of land… God says in Deuteronomy 8, “The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land… a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey”. There are seven species of food mentioned here, which would be abundant in the land promised to his people, and it is the time leading up to the Jewish holidays when many of them are ripe and ready to be eaten. There is so much richness in what God has created and placed in this land for his people - not just in their good taste and nutrition, but in their meaning too. And the fig is a fruit that crops up again and again in the scriptures, because God does nothing without purpose. The man who checks bags for bombs on our transport system was eating juicy figs and gave one to me with a smile. There is something that just feels rich and decadent about figs. The amazing deep colours, the distinctive shape and glorious gentle smell. It is no wonder that this feature of God’s creation crops up repeatedly in the Bible in wonderfully symbollic ways. First of all, we see the figs in the garden of Eden - covering up the shame of Adam and Eve. In fact, it’s the only tree specified that we know for sure was in the garden. Throughout the scriptures, the plant becomes a symbol of prosperity, wellbeing, and security. Along with the vine, to sit under the plentiful shade of your own fig tree is the opitome of safety, peace and wellbeing in many Biblical passages. These plants don’t grow overnight, and it takes time to culture and nurture them - their maturity indicates that the gardener has been continuously and steadfastly there, tending to their growth over the years. For Israel, exile and wandering has been a byword for punishment and so sitting under your own vine and fig tree is a sign of blessing and security. The fig tree as a metaphor for Israel The fig tree is also symbollic of Israel itself - It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically. Hosea 9:10 says, “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.” Later, the Bible tells us of the glorious time when “Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.” (1 Kings 4:25) Later still, following the minor prophets we can see warnings to the nation of how God would bring destruction and failure of crops as part of his judgement against them, specifying empty fig trees that were stripped bare and fruitless. (Joel, Habakkuk and Haggai) It’s almost as if the fig was something of a barometer of the health of the nation - taken away as punishment, and flourishing in times of restoration. In the New Testament we can also see Yeshua using the symbolic fig tree - firstly in the calling of Nathanael who was “sitting under a fig tree” like a “true Israelite” in John 1:48-50. Later he curses the fruitless fig tree, representing unfruitfulness (Mark 11:12-21), and then uses the fig as a metaphor of how we should recognise the signs of the times (Matthew 24:32). This end-times warning system with the fig analogy is picked up again in Revelation 6:13. So from Genesis to Revelation, the fig features strongly in scriptural symbolism. There are many more interesting references not mentioned here which are also worth exploring in Judges, Song of Songs, and parables of Yeshua. Figs flourishing in Israel today Today Israel is full of fig trees - huge, well developed, shady and mature. They produce two harvests of fruit a year, the early crop around Passover time in the spring, even before the leaves have unfurled, and the biggest, best, most juicy fruits come into their own in September, close to the Jewish holidays of Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot (Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles respectively). It is possible to consider that the flourishing of figs today in Israel is a Messianic sign in itself - the people are back in the land, the fig trees are abundant and plentiful, and the nation is now waiting for restoration to come. We know that the restoration will be a spiritual revival, and all his people greeting their Messiah Yeshua, saying “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”, or “Welcome Yeshua, our Messiah!” Come, Lord Jesus, and find us ready!

[@michaelanderson4849]

"He saw the buying, selling and merchandising - the great sin of the priests who were profiting and taking advantage of pilgrims who were faithfully coming to celebrate Passover." Nonsense! Any jew could transport the intended sacrifice to the temple himself. Or in case, for what ever reason, it was not suitable to transport the sacrifice a very long distance, the regulated sacrificial animals could be bought at the temple. All in perfect accordance with the jewish law. Are you suggesting that those who raised the animals should not be compensated for their labor and expenses as well as being able to feed their families too?

[@thomasmiddlebrooke1012]

Thanks. I learned something tonight. That's a cool parallel.

[@RonRooks]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@freedomramage5241]

@@michaelanderson4849 I didn't take it to mean this. There is a difference between the buying and selling that could take place as we know, and taking advantage of. Why did you decide to be contentious over this? There is a better way.

[@brokenchainsapologetics]

The whole idea of Christians never getting angry or using force is a misconception. It is a Christian thing to have righteous anger. Those who allow evil men to harm innocents Spiritually or physically, and have the means to stop them but don't sin. It is wrong to have the ability to take action and just stand by watching harm be done.

[@Min_1000]

Facts my brother

[@jackiepowell7513]

Which is why judgment of cosmo visits church first

[@jackiepowell7513]

I have and we need to have righteous indignation at times

[@judylloyd7901]

Have the means to stop them but don't sin? You mean, those who have the means to stop them but don't, sin.

[@cathywestholt5324]

It would be interesting to see how Copeland, Duplantis, Hinn, etc. would react to Jesus if he started flipping jets.

[@Irene77545]

😂😂 Bless u sis! But thinking abt their soul it real sad. Pray for them!

[@jxslayz6663]

@@Irene77545 Pray for everything. But honestly Irene, the bible is pretty clear about how God feels about false teachers. Its one thing to be a lost sheep and be in error and share your error with others. Its another thing entirely to be deceptive, to break down scripture to fit an agenda, and to offend Gods little ones. I believe based on multiple verses, that God will not allow false teachers hearts to be softened. He WILL allow them to be taken by their beliefs unto death. I will mention one of these verses, in revelations it says anyone who changes the words of these prophesies will be cursed. He doesn't mention the people that believe in the false doctrines, he says the ones creating and teaching false doctrines will be cursed. He explicitly says "change" meaning people who instead of seeking God's wisdom or viewpoint on scripture, twist the word of God for their own benefit, or even worse, for the benefit of satans agenda. So, for me I don't pray for teachers of false doctrines, I take this label seriously, and watch ALOT of their sermons to make that personal judgment. I pray that God's will be done in all matters, and for me to accept it. If the word is any indication of Gods will, which is it obviously is, false teachers are not going to be saved. Saul the murderer wasn't a false teacher, he was a lost sheep following what he thought was right. He believed he was a righteous soldier in killing Christians. He wouldn't be considered a false teacher even though he perpetuated a hateful ideology against the new children of God.

[@EvicFiniteGen13]

@@jxslayz6663 exactly. Those people know the words of God. And still they take it to as you say, fit their agenda.

[@caroleimani9754]

Big Daddy: What is their agenda??

[@caroleimani9754]

EricFinite:.Do tell...Do you know someone's ❤ heart ❤?? What is somebody's true "agenda?".Do you have your own "agenda?"

[@christianbodyimprovementcl7718]

And since our bodies are the temple, perhaps that’s also a picture of how zealous Jesus is at expelling the sin from within us; cleansing us. Powerful.

[@vegangirl2266]

I’m so enjoying this Mark series. I find myself saying “ohhhh” so often. These videos are such a blessing. Thank you Pastor Mike 🙏🏼

[@livewireOrourke]

Mike's teaching is like a close friend. An atheist's teaching on the Bible is like a crooked, used car salesman.

[@joshpalombi3709]

can relate 100% lol

[@riannar4394]

Same!

[@BeckeyGirard]

Me too

[@judylloyd7901]

@@livewireOrourke An atheist has nothing to offer anyone from the scriptures. He is ignorant of everything regarding God.

[@arceneaux777]

WOW - finally I find "meat" teachings instead of "milk" preaching. I learned a few things here, and am very stoked I found your channel. Thank you!

[@stephmullin9709]

Garry Hamrick is very sound

[@juanduenas1943]

He is from calvary Chapel. I grew up with this type of teaching. Word by word chapter by chapter book by book. Makes everything other preaching style seem watered down and cherry-picked. 😃👍

[@PaulSHelms]

My favorite part of the temple cleansing story is that he MADE A WHIP! That tells me it wasn’t just a spur of the moment activity. That would take several HOURS to braid a whip together! 😂

[@judylloyd7901]

Several minutes!

[@DiggitySlice]

I think it's more likely he just took off his belt and started swinging it. Like the Bible will say someone "made" something into something else to describe an action, not the actual object. Like if I told you I made my faith my shield, you wouldn't assume I fashioned an actual shield out of my faith, you would know rather that I _use_ my faith as a shield.

[@metapolitikgedanken612]

Indeed no 'emotional outburst'... But I think a 'whipping Jesus' is difficult for many to reconcile with the Jesus they designed into their own minds.

[@raygsbrelcik5578]

If GOD had to FLOOD the entire planet---Christ can surely point out the wickedness in the Temple by overturning a few tables.

[@clispyleaf]

I saw a couple of months ago that the fig tree struck me as an action parable. I love those lightning eureka moments with my bible, and your teaching is so solid! Praise God for this channel.

[@zxy123f]

I appreciate you Pastor Mike. Your teaching and faithfulness to GOD"S Word has totally help change my life. I have not been the same since. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Word. Sarah and Flora thank you again for your faithfulness. May GOD Bless you all richly

[@deripfina]

Same blessingsfrom me! These explanations are priceless. God bless you abundantly Mike, and Sebo and others.

[@sarahfaith316]

Praise God!

[@arthurbrugge2457]

Many great points here. My local lutheran churches have a long tradition of portraying Jesus as passive, non- confrontational, and certainly "Low energy". I liked your point about not pulling out scripture to support capitalism, socialism, etc. As if the meaning and points shown in the Bible are there to sermonize us on this or that tax rate or economic system!

[@DiggitySlice]

Well there are certainly lessons about how to handle property and money in the Bible, which is part of economics. In the same vein many moral teachings of the Bible relate directly to how political systems should function. So while I agree that the Bible isn't to be used as a bludgeon to support a political agenda, we should have clear understanding that systems that go against Biblical teachings are to be avoided.

[@arthurbrugge2457]

@@DiggitySlice Of course, I agree completely. There are many systems which should be avoided. My point was merely that some preachers, who I admire, are too loose and ready to insert a very spesific, narrow political agenda into their preaching. Say, for example, a tax increase. Now, I'm not a big fan of high taxes, and after a certain percentage it is immoral and an evil. But I dislike when preachers take spesific cases like these, and use time supposed to be dedicated to God's word, to "vent" their own personal irritation over them. General principles and dividing lines are fine, but a semon should not sound like the local republican party line, or something copied from das Kapital.

[@alisha4012]

Jesus was an is and always will be amazing

[@garyleemusic]

I new found appreciation for the fig tree in my front yard :) thank you for the wonderful teaching.

[@caviestcaveman8691]

Just moved to a new house alone and found out I have a fig tree and now I learn about this. I don't know how to feel lol don't mess up. Ima take care of it and make sure it bears good fruit I shall accomplish this! 🙏

[@silverbanshee1770]

The fruit tree not being in season = when we least expect His second coming. Always be ready.

[@tommynunemann1117]

I think its important to note the emphasis on "he found nothing but leaves" considering even when fig trees aren't bearing fruit they still have little structures that grow into the fruit at the base of the leaves, so if he emphasizes nothing but leaves, not only does the tree have no fruit, but its basically sterile, never having the potential to make fruit. Shows further relation to the brokenness of the temple.

[@nonyabidness5708]

If this is true, it is is SUCH an important point. Otherwise Jesus seems to be not only illogical to expect fruit but also petty to kill something (I don't care about the tree... but I know it represents something else) for not bearing fruit when it isn't even created to do so at the time.

[@miadevries674]

Mike, something just come up when you talked about the cleaning. Jesus was the one Who cleaned out the temple. He knew who and what to drive out. As He lives in my body, I want Him to tell me what in this temple needs to be driven out and then through grace drive it out. Psalm 138:8 says that He will perfect what is wrong in me for only He can and is able to do it! He, and ONLY He, can bring it to pass! I know for myself that I cannot.❤️

[@Omegha94zip]

I really needed this, thank you and God bless you.

[@redit5332]

That thumbnail (Mike's facial expression) for the "reminder" for this livestream made me giggle a little bit. It's good to have a sense of humor when you are teaching. It really got my attention and I tuned in and watched and learned from it. Thank you, Mike. :)

[@ShalomDove]

I was just scrolling through and this caught my eye because the issue of righteous anger / what anger is and is not sin has long been of interest to me. Now I want to go back and start this series from the beginning -so thank you for that

[@RyanBirk]

To be impacted by the gospels is life changing.

[@scmcarp]

So true

[@AreSeal]

I love that it’s part 42 lol. I keep directing everyone to his teachings. They’re so beneficial and edifying

[@erichpengel1528]

Always enjoying your bible studies brother Mike greatings from Suriname 🇸🇷

[@debbiewareing1178]

So made me laugh when you said Jesus family were poor as they offered doves; that’s one in the eye for prosperity teachers! It really did! Thanks Brother Mike your lessons are humble, loving, caring but overall TRUTHFUL! Thank the Lord, for humble truth seekers.

[@CoolPaDuke]

Your quick discussion about prosperity teachers reminded me of one guy I heard on the radio. He would talk about how if you just purchase his tape and follow his teaching you will never be in want; you'll always have all the money you need. At the end, he made the usual pitch for donations because "it costs $10,000 a month to keep the show on the air and I just don't have that kind of money". I so wanted to purchase one of his tapes but tell him to keep it and listen to it - then he'd never have to make a pitch for donations again.

[@sullym1867]

“Tactful but impactful”. The church needs to hear more on this and I hope you share more of what you’ve learned of discernment in ministry.

[@jocelyn4981]

Thank you for this! I'm not even in the Mark series yet, so I will come to this again, but I saw this and definitely needed to hear it today.

[@newcreationcoachingllc6491]

This was so rich. Deeper than I have ever been on this text. Thank you especially for all of the context you brought in!

[@lesliematyas1921]

just love mike's way of teaching ...his whole demeanor is so wonderful . when a a teacher has this kind of joy in sharing ...the students want more ....i learn a lot from this series .

[@ChristinewithaC]

Thank you for your biblically sound teaching! I was convicted by the point of cleaning up your own temple. It’s easy to see faults in the church, but I need God to show me where I’m falling short and be obedient even when it’s not easy! I’ve always wondered why Jesus cursed the fig tree. Thank you for explaining that so clearly! God bless you!!

[@BrandonGonzales1455]

This series has been one of the best resources for my walk that I've come across. Thanks Pastor Mike!

[@Sbock86]

Just had to leave a comment about your thumbnail, had me smiling. Looking forward to hearing this one.

[@tinekedijk7385]

Jesus is definitely very judgemental and angry with the religious leaders....in other chapters !

[@TheBlubunni]

Thank you brother Mike for this teaching, it was very enlightening. Father's blessings, peace and love to you and your family always in the Holy and Mighty Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior.

[@villetaemil]

Thank you pastor mike, may the Lord jesus provides throughout all of your affairs so he may always find your household in the season for figs. For he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.

[@suranimabe3635]

I totally understand what you mean when you say that prosperity teachers abuse people in so many ways: compelling them to give, building guady Churches and neglecting the poor among them. However, I think the righteous anger directed to these people must not swing us too far away from the fact that prosperity is not a swear word. It is something I hope for myself and neighbors. Furthermore, when I was a student at university I was in a charismatic Church that was Biblically sound. They also spent time teaching us how to manage our finances. How to save and invest. How to budget. To be honest the reason my husband and I are into saving, living simple lives and being generous is because of what our Church taught us. Its not all hopeless gaudy extortionists out there in the Charismatic movement. Just wanted to bring another perspective 💖

[@rollingwiththerouses3918]

Thank you so much for this!!! I was in a prosperity preaching church and over a year ago the Lord opened my eyes. I just watch the amaerican gospel movie and then next day the Holy Spirit put this passage of scripture on my heart and showed me how they are doing the same thing. I've also heard them talk on the fig tree using it as a name it and came it scripture and how we have the same power too. You gave me new eyes for this passage.

[@kyshawible2389]

Wow! That teaching was amazing! Makes me want to binge watch all your videos! So much better than anything on Netflix!!

[@cynthiaharris5736]

Thank you Mike, your teaching reaches those who never see your videos, because they are such a blessing to my understanding of God’s word…. May God continue to grant you wisdom and grace

[@neroliblossom6074]

I am new to your channel and enjoy your teaching, so much common sense, your straightforwardness, your humor and compassion really get the message across. I also like the fact that you do Not have the need to scream at us like so many do. Another comment here mentioned binge watching, LOL I hear that. Again thank you.

[@amandataylor4085]

This was an amazing video...all of the Mark ones I've seen are amazing! Thank you!

[@jacquesmains7453]

Thank you for all your work, Mike! The flesh tries to pull me away, this pulls me back.

[@thelostoneproject4451]

You have the first KZbin channel I have clicked "watch later" to the point of cramped thumbs. Excited to learn. Appreciate ya!

[@barbarawilks8656]

I have been listening to all of your Mark series (as well as your Evidence for the Bible) and a boatload of other videos, and realized I hadn’t said thank you. So, thanks, Mike, for these insightful, kind, and edifying studies. I have shared and recommended to a lot of people. Keep up the good work, and don’t let the flaming arrows through.

[@drdrew2416]

Been a Christian since 5 YO, this was the first time anyone has shown me this parallelism! We appreciate your Obedience in Ministry Pastor Mike!

[@britzel71]

Thank you. I am always thankful for how you approach teaching these studies with humility and seeking God's truth. I never leave confused or sadden because you warp scripture rather I feel inspired by God's word to have gained something I didn't understand fully or at all.

[@pinpoint3770]

I love the part where Jezus turned the tables of the Farizeans over... mind you: he did NOT kill them like mohamed did to his adversaries

[@uticacrib1664]

Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike! Guess what day it is?! Mike!🐫

[@GertJr17]

Again, a very good study of Mark. I've really enjoyed this series.

[@Cmbtvtrn05]

Absolutely Holy Spirit filled and edifying Pastor, thank you Jesus for the wonderful preachers still preaching the truth.

[@Notevenone]

Wow, I completely didn’t figure the fig scenario out. Thanks Mike

[@Zebhammer]

Catching up fast but amazed that this teaching is 7 months old and we still haven't got to the end of Mark yet. God bless.

[@rj_corvo]

This was EXCELLENT!!! Thank you for explaining this as well as you did.

[@windsound2010]

6:07 - the short version of the explanation, Im going to hear the longer version later, loved this, and may go back to the beginning of Mark and go through this again!

[@thenostalgicsidekick3076]

Elohim bless you sir, your explanations are very clear and they live no room for doubt.

[@matthew8054]

I can't believe that we need to get down to defending Jesus actions on a tree!! He is the Lord of creation. A tree is a tree - what on earth are going through people's minds to even bring that up. And with that sort of thinking, would someone like that even be receptive of the gospel?

[@Mike-xh2vm]

Inmoral People today teach to love plants and animal more than people.

[@nonyabidness5708]

Let me help you understand (and kindly meant)... if the tree is representative of a person (or group) and someone is trying to understand the character of Christ/ nature of God, then it makes perfect sense to wonder why Christ 1. Expected a tree to have fruit when it wasn't the right season and 2. Killed that tree for not bearing fruit even though it wasn't the right season to do so. This seems highly illogical. I'm a new believer and I'm not going to stop believing over this but things like this were a hindrance for me for a long time.

[@sarahfaith316]

Finally got to re-watch... Loved this teaching!!!

[@josethottumkal]

Yes! Sarah. This is good teaching! We need more teachers like Mike.

[@louiebryllnillusguin]

Thank you so much Pastor Mike.. .😊😊😊 May our God bless you more.. .😊😊😊

[@kasandraruskay9744]

Thank you another prayer request answered. I just didn't get it. (this parable/account)I am so glad to understand, much love brother Mike

[@kyeophis]

Never viewed the story of the fig tree like this, awesome bible study. Thank you Big Mikey ❤️🔥🙏🏼

[@jameswelsh3433]

Thank you for your excellent ministry and teachings. As I’m sure you also do, I will pray for those who don’t seem to understand. May God’s blessings always be with you!

[@cordellsmith3504]

Did anyone else notice the hair floating around in the upper right corner of the screen around 57:40? By the way I wanted to say thanks Pastor Mike for these wonderful in depth sessions of just in the word in the caves finding the gems it is so refreshing seeing as I am a newer follower of Christ. I had thought for years I was but had professed faith when I was young and didn't understand nor really have the ability to and as I grew I fell away from the faith but through God's great mercy and grace He led me in and showed me the truth of my condition and although I still struggle knowing things like I've been entrusted with the dwelling of the Holy Spirit and my body being not my own has and will help tremendously. I see know God's love in trials and tribulations in my failures and my success. I was also wondering if the scripture in 1 Corinthians 13:6 Love rejoicing in the truth is applicable when I listen to your teaching? I am rejoicing very much so to the point I have to sometimes pause the video and just sing a psalm. Thanks so much for all you do! God Bless You and your family and ministry! I am looking forward to meeting you someday whether in this life or on the other side of eternity.

[@RAEEGHAITH]

Thank you for the short sweet summary at the beginning!

[@dsymonkey]

"prosperity preacher, poke that in your eyeball " had me ROLLING ON THE FLOOR LAUGHIN! I LOVE learning from you, Mike!!! We need more Bible studies like this!!! verse by verse!!!

[@peterthomsett8733]

Thank you Mike for your teaching. The Lord has granted a wonderful gift.

[@anthonyb.2983]

He flipped the tables and kicked out the money changers to warn us what the Mark will be. Very understandable why He had to show his authority to show His love.

[@lauriejeantzeitelliorabrow4412]

WE are like the fig tree. The unforgiven that bear no fruit shall be cursed.

[@republiccooper]

Hmmm

[@madelynkuehl1353]

I so love hearing your messages, Mike!! What I have heard (as from facebook religious posts) is that the poor tree was innocent and hadn't done wrong; so persons are sorry for the tree, though it helps to hear what this really means. I have felt sorry for a tree, for we had a tree at my house for 20 plus years, which had a big crack in it, and could either be fixed somehow, or come down, and my husband wanted it to come down; and when it did, it made me feel bad, for it was a beautiful Linden tree.

[@republiccooper]

I laughed so much at the part with the prosperity teachers! (Poking 'em.) 😂😂

[@pinkypromise111]

Thank you for your teachings !🤗🤗🤗

[@lindawarner7496]

I love that you do not get all political. Nobody changes with political comments. The power for change is in the Word of God, which is what you present.

[@monicafurtado620]

Never heard such an analogy on Mark's gospel before.Great pastor Mike.

[@matthew8054]

Very good expositions of temple incident and meaning of the fig tree.

[@psalm23sheep53]

So I want to say when I read about the fig tree I was unhappy about it because I viewed myself as the fig tree, being a baby Christian. While trying to trust God to change me, I worried I wouldn't bear fruit in time and he would curse me too. I took it very personally, but then I think we all should allow it to challenge us

[@Cyberfender1]

so relevant 42 on! Good, solid Preaching the Word!

[@karricompton]

Thank you for this. Many good insights. I wish my pastor would preach like this.

[@deripfina]

Stay safe from the fires and heat Mike! It’s getting pretty wild up here in the valley!

[@terriekoo6728]

I never really understood this passage. Thank you for the explanation!

[@lauracheeverauthor]

I kid you not, last night I read this passage with my husband and said I needed someone smarter than me to do a teaching on it. Then first thing this morning, KZbin recommends this video lol. I wasn't concerned about the tree so much as I was concerned about what seemed to be Jesus acting completely irrationally. (Like you said, figs weren't even in season.) This teaching really helped me understand His actions and the story at large. I learned a lot, thanks!

[@lynnlink4629]

Not the first time this teaching on the fig tree presented. Appreciate.

[@sheshisown3153]

The fig tree’s naturally grow fruit before the leaves open, so this tree in full leaf gave promise of well-developed fruit. The fig tree was presenting leaves before the season which always means there is surely fruit as the fruit comes first in a fig tree. 🌿

[@carlafoss9248]

Wow! How have I never seen the clearing of the temple as an example of clearing my heart?

[@sphagbog]

Me too

[@sethtrey]

Because many of us are born blind so that he power of God can be revealed by our sudden sight.

[@thadofalltrades]

I just read this chapter this morning!

[@transcendingfitness9060]

Thank you for this analysis. I’ve always wondered about this verse. Some people say, “Jesus has bad days, too”. I’ve never accepted that conclusion, but found it humorous

[@senaidapoulsen6105]

This teaching reminds me of scripture Where God says: They honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. Thank you for amazing teaching Mike Gods peace be with you and your family Amen We should judge our own hearts Jesus let this sink in for us all and make our hearts sensetiv to your pressens Loving you above all by honoring your Holy Spirit in humilithy and Love our fellow man with your wisdom In your name ( AUTHORITHY) I pray Amen

[@sweethometreasures]

Thank you thank you thank you. God bless you and this ministry.

[@billbradleymusic]

Christ is inside all - all of the time. It's your choice to acknowledge it. Hallelujah!

[@tinekedijk7385]

When He looks for figs but just finds leaves.......I think of myself too.

[@Adrian-ri8my]

This series is amazing!! Just wondering if you’ll be doing other series on all the other gospels or even the epistles?

[@MikeWinger]

I have one on Romans and 1 Peter on my channel already. You can find them under my playlists. But after Mark I’m most likely going to do Hebrews.

[@chrissyknott9485]

Thanks Mike I never understood the story of the fig tree before.

[@nemamdala7300]

The only understanding of the fig tree was that Jesus spoke to it so we can also speak to things. I never heard anyone teach on the fig tree the way you have. Thank you for your faithfulness to teaching truth.

[@dorothyfrench2788]

wonderful. I have never really understood the cursing of the fig tree. thankyou

[@anthonyfauci7837]

Since Jesus mentioned that the temple is supposed to be a house of prayer for all nations, that makes me think that when they were doing this buying and selling, they were taking up a lot of space, like at the mall, or flea market, and a lot of that space may have been space God wanted for people to be able to find a spot to pray.

[@Eben_Haezer]

Thank You Pastor Mike for the teaching

[@jillbenton1265]

Mike, do you think His cleansing the temple had any correlation with the "spring cleaning" that was going on in Jewish homes that week in preparation for Passover? Removing the leaven?

[@peters6345]

Lots of very good points. You are also quite correct in what you said that some people think "who is God to judge" etc.. it's a very grave error. It is a rebellious spirit, I was like that before getting saved The info on the temple itself and the priests of the period from Josephus is really interesting

[@jesuschristislord8115]

27:50 mark in the video. “He knocks their teeth out!” Lol. That’s what I heard coming in my head. Oh boy, that wouldn’t be our Jesus now would it. Lol. Enjoyed the laugh on those placid portraits of Jesus.

[@wtk6069]

Making a flail takes some time and effort, so Jesus' using of one is a very controlled, deliberate act.

[@meganmarie3293]

Thanks Pastor Mike! This video was very helpful.

[@Bluejei]

That was really wonderful. Thank you!

[@johnlombardo7816]

Man I'm so glad I found your channel .. what an impressive breakdown .. if I currently dont actively read the bible but watch your videos am I not doing enough? I learned more from this video alone then all the times I've read passages. My brain doesn't comprehend bible well while I'm reading it .. anyway thank you for being awesome mike!

[@926paaja]

Maybe you are just an auditory learner.. 😉 listen to the bible ... Alexander scourbey on KZbin has the every book and is so nice to listen to his voice. Back in the day the women or poor or taught couldn't read and all they could do was listen to the reading of the scripture. Don't be so hard on yourself.

[@johnlombardo7816]

@@926paaja thank you! I'll Check him out