Jesus did not ascend a throne in Jerusalem, but focused on cleansing the temple: “My house will be called a house of prayer” (12-13). Jesus restored the temple as a place where the blind and lame could be healed and children could sing worship songs. This offended the priests, but to Jesus, this was the very thing the Bible said to expect (Ps 8:2). They were not reading the Bible to learn. Jesus left the city to stay in Bethany.

Early the next morning Jesus did an odd thing, cursing a fig tree, causing it to wither (18-19). Jesus’ hunger and his unmet expectations from the tree, mirrored his experience in the temple. The priests, the temple, and all Jerusalem would share the same fate as the fig tree, soon to be destroyed. This amazed the disciples (20). Their wonder and faith gave Jesus great hope and joy. By their prayer and obedience, the church – Jesus’ body, the true temple – is now a place where broken people are being healed and children joyfully worship. Our prayers for all nations are being answered in every generation. We participate in prayer by faith.
Application: Father, thank you for Jesus’ body, the church, the true temple. There are many things we expect from your church, but let us pray with faith for all nations, becoming a place where the gospel brings healing and our children worship the Savior.
One Word: Faithful prayer moves mountains