PrayerBits
A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church
Monday
Scripture lesson: Mark 11:12-14,20-24 An annoyed Jesus?
Time to reflect: The idea that Jesus was mad at a tree because it didn't have fruit, even though it wasn't the right season, and then cursing the tree is disturbing to most people. If he wanted food and to perform a miracle, why not just make it grow fruit while he waited? We can not know what is not written, so regardless of what Jesus' intent or feelings, the reason it is in the Bible is to teach us with an attention getting story. The teaching starts in verse 22. Can we really move mountains? None of us will ever have that much faith, but whatever level of faith we do have is a powerful tool for the glory of God.
Moving through the day: Pray to God about some of your needs and wishes. Let God help you sort out valid and worthwhile requests. Reword so that the prayer requests are appropriate: e.g. not that grandpa will live forever, but that, God willing, grandpa will not suffer greatly.
Scripture:
Mark 11:12-14
Jesus Clears the Temple
12The next day as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs. 14Then he said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." And his disciples heard him say it.
Mark 11:20-24
The Withered Fig Tree
20In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Peter remembered and said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!"
22"Have[a] faith in God," Jesus answered. 23"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
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