Once again today it would be easy to question Jesus' actions. In cursing the fig tree one could argue that Jesus stepped a little too far over into humanity - His expectations got the best of Him. And, why would Jesus display such power for something as selfish as food?
The answer is quickly seen in Jesus' teaching about faith. Most certainly, the whole ordeal was a teaching moment designed to convey an important lesson about faith.
Interestingly enough, in looking ahead to tomorrow's NT reading, the religious leaders will question Jesus' authority. Was it a literary mistake of Matthew's to move from the story of what at first seemed a selfish move by Jesus straight to the account of His authority being questioned? Perhaps this is precisely the point Matthew wished to portray to his readers! Perhaps the progression is meant to convince the reader that Jesus Christ, representing Almighty God, is indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords and, as such, is above any sense of justice we may conjure.
Just a thought.
Father, it appears to me that I need the lessons Jesus taught about faith AND about authority! Help me to absorb all the implications of such teaching and then to begin to "flesh it out" in my own life.
No comments:
Post a Comment