The End Of Temple Worship

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Reading: Mark 11:12-19

Reflection: It is unfortunate that the NIV, and other bibles, label this section of scripture as temple cleansing. If Jesus were cleansing the temple, his actions would be designed to fix what was wrong at the temple so that worship in and through the temple could continue in the correct manner and with the correct focus. But that is hardly what Mark is seeking to tell us. Mark begins this section by telling us that Jesus "cursed" a fig tree when He inspects it and finds no fruit upon it. The reason there are not figs is that it is not the season for figs. Next, Jesus arrives at the temple, critiques what is going on, drives out those who are acting inappropriately, and leaves. Then Mark concludes this section by telling us that the fig tree Jesus cursed is withered from the roots. The point seems to be that the season of temple worship is over...that the temple has not produced fruit...that Jesus has now cursed the ministry there and its days are numbered. The destruction of the temple in the near future will show this to be true. This is a reminder that Jesus expects worship that produces fruit, and causes me to ask myself if I am producing fruit in my life.