2013-05-29 - What Would Matthew Say?

Matthew 21:18-22

Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it, but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again." Immediately the tree withered. (Matthew 21:19)

Early in the morning one day, Jesus was famished. Jesus saw a fig tree by the side of the road, and thought the fruit would satisfy His appetite. When He got close enough to pick a piece of fruit, there wasn't any to pick. No food. No breakfast. Jesus could have called on His Father and miraculously received food, but He didn't. Instead, He showed human disappointment, and cursed the tree to never bear fruit again.

I and the other disciples could not believe our eyes. The fig tree had instantly withered, just as Jesus commanded. Our focus and astonishment lay in Jesus' miracle - and not Jesus' human dissatisfaction. We asked how the tree withered so quickly. Jesus told us the reason behind the fast miracle: faith.

I admit I fail to always recognize the extent of Jesus' authority. The Lord simply says not to doubt. How do you stop from doubting? Even after all I've seen Jesus do in my life, and the lives of others it can still be hard to be totally faithful all the time.

Lord, I pray to move all the mountains in my way. I believe, and I receive the answer to my prayer. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

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