Day 3: Walking with Jesus: The Fig Tree and Faith

Day 3: Walking with Jesus: The Fig Tree and Faith

with Dr. Jeff Warren and Caleb and Catherine Rhoades

Isaiah 42:1-9; Matthew 21:18-22

As we journey through Holy Week, we're invited to reflect on a powerful lesson from Matthew 21 – the cursing of the fig tree. This seemingly bizarre story carries profound spiritual significance. It's not just about a fruitless tree, but a stern warning about the consequences of rejecting Christ. The fig tree symbolizes Israel's failure to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, reminding us of the importance of bearing spiritual fruit in our own lives. But there's hope, too. Jesus emphasizes the power of faith, not in the quantity of our belief, but in its object. When we place our trust in Christ, the impossible becomes possible. This challenges us to examine where we're placing our faith and how it's manifesting in our daily lives.

Reflection:

1. How does the concept of Jesus as the 'perfect Israelite' who fulfills the law impact our understanding of grace and our own efforts to live righteously?
2. In what ways might we sometimes treat our faith as a 'work' rather than trusting in Christ as the object of our faith?
3. How can we reconcile Jesus' stern actions (like cursing the fig tree) with His loving nature, and what does this teach us about God's justice and mercy?

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

What gift of grace is Jesus

My Redeemer

There is no more for Heaven

Now to give

He is my joy my righteousness

And freedom

My steadfast love

My deep and boundless peace

To this I hold

My hope is only Jesus

For my life

Is wholly bound to His

Oh how strange and divine

I can sing all is mine

Yet not I

But through Christ in me

The night is dark

But I am not forsaken

For by my side the Savior

He will stay

I labor on in weakness

And rejoicing

For in my need

His power is displayed

To this I hold

My Shepherd will defend me

Through the deepest valley

He will lead

Oh the night has been won

And I shall overcome

Yet not I

But through Christ in me

No fate I dread

I know I am forgiven

The future sure the price

It has been paid

For Jesus bled and suffered

For my pardon

And He was raised

To overthrow the grave

To this I hold

My sin has been defeated

Jesus now and ever is my plea

Oh the chains are released

I can sing I am free

Yet not I

But through Christ in me

With every breath

I long to follow Jesus

For He has said

That He will bring me home

And day by day

I know He will renew me

Until I stand with joy

Before the throne

To this I hold

My hope is only Jesus

All the glory evermore to Him

When the race is complete

Still my lips shall repeat

Yet not I

But through Christ in me