Matt. 21:12-13 – This is the second time Jesus cleanses the Temple (cf. John 2:13-16). It surprised me the first time I realized as a boy that Jesus cleansed the Temple twice. Why didn’t the merchandising Jews get the message the first time and change their covetous ways? Now I realize they had no desire to follow Jesus. Not everyone was convicted by the message Jesus brought. Not everyone will be convicted by the message we bring as His disciples. But, never give up bringing the message. Maybe they’ll receive it the second time . . . or third!
Matt. 21:18-22 – As a disciple, I do not want Jesus to look at me and see a fruitless servant. Jesus had a clear expectation that this fig tree at that time of the year should be bearing fruit. We are expected to do the same in our lives. I had a dwarf peach tree for over 35 years. It produced hundreds of peaches every year during its prime. When it came to the end of its vitality, I wept the day it was uprooted. It was a beautiful and lasting witness of what a fruitful servant is to the Lord, and I thought of the words, “Well done, you good and faithful servant,” when it was cut down.
Matt. 21:28-32 – The parable of the two sons is a great reminder to me that our God is a God of patience and second chances. We may think if someone turns down the invitation of Jesus that they weren’t worthy of our time and effort. But we’ll never know if the message of Jesus will weigh upon their hearts for months and years afterward. Let’s sow the seed. Let’s cast the net. Let’s not judge results by our limited vision. Leave the judgment to God.