Well-being [Heb. Shalom שָׁלוֹם] is like a barometer for the overall health of an individual or society. This well-being encompasses things like satisfaction or a sense of purpose in life, spiritual fruitfulness, peace, positive emotions, physical health, well-being, and thriving relationships. Shalom or well-being is wholeness with God. We must be self-aware as individuals and vigilant as a human race to measure our well-being, because it reveals the health of society. Keep in mind, obedience to God must rule above all else or well-being will not be the outcome.
In our passage today, Jesus is leaving Bethany—a small Judean village situated on the southeastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about two miles east of Jerusalem. This village is like a “home-base” for Jesus as he finds love, rest, and well-being here. The home of Lazarus is in Bethany; a place in which Jesus was always welcomed and honored. Therefore, Jesus was able to do many miracles in Bethany; the greatest miracle was the raising of Lazarus from the dead.
The word “Bethany” translates into several meanings, but we will focus on a definition many theologians agree upon, today—“house of figs.” In the Bible, figs are used symbolically of Israel and her prosperity [wholeness] when the people are obedient to God (1 Kings 4:25). As Jesus leaves Bethany he is hungry, sees a fig tree, and goes to pick some fruit. He does not find any fruit even though the leaves are green and lush. So, Jesus curses the fig tree.
Mark places this lesson of Jesus cursing the fig tree separated like bookends surrounding the cleansing of the Temple. If we read this passage as one whole lesson—which we should—Jesus is demonstrating an act of judgment against Israel for their spiritual barrenness. Neither the Temple worship nor the fig tree are producing fruit, even though they have the outward appearance of being healthy.
Believers, today, can have an outward appearance of being healthy without actually producing any fruit. Jesus is expecting his children to be fruit-bearing, because the world is hungry for God whether society knows it or not. In the Spirit, we can produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; a spiritually enriched diet that brings wholeness. When you share this kind of fruit with others through your actions, you are feeding the hungry. Feed someone today.
Mark 11:12-14, 15-19, 20-24 NLT Jesus Curses the Fig Tree
12 The next morning as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13 He noticed a fig tree in full leaf a little way off, so he went over to see if he could find any figs. But there were only leaves because it was too early in the season for fruit. 14 Then Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat your fruit again!” And the disciples heard him say it.
Jesus Clears the Temple
15 When they arrived back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, 16 and he stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace. 17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves” (Isaiah 56:7; Jeremiah 7:11).
18 When the leading priests and teachers of religious law heard what Jesus had done, they began planning how to kill him. But they were afraid of him because the people were so amazed at his teaching.
19 That evening Jesus and the disciples left the city.
20 The next morning as they passed by the fig tree he had cursed, the disciples noticed it had withered from the roots up. 21 Peter remembered what Jesus had said to the tree on the previous day and exclaimed, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree you cursed has withered and died!”
22 Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God. 23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Prayer: Jesus, thank you for letting us know your expectations for our attitudes and actions. Our faith must bear righteous fruit; otherwise, we are going through the motions without obediently submitting to your rule. Holy Spirit, please produce the fruit of genuine Love in us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.