Encounter #43:

“Let Jesus In”

Read: Mark 11:1-33

Jesus wants to send someone to you so you can witness to that person about Jesus. The Lord has need of you! As Jesus came into Jerusalem on the colt, the people shouted “Hosanna.” That means, “Save us, Lord.” They wanted to be saved from the Roman oppression that ruled over them. But Jesus came to save them from their sins. Jesus came into the outer court of the Temple. He did a spot check. It was late evening and everything was quiet on the surface. He will return later. Jesus does a “spot check” on us as we read His Word. Let Him check your heart.

Later Jesus spots a fig tree. He was hungry. It wasn't the season for leaves or figs. Figs usually grow first, then the leaves come out. There were leaves on the tree, which meant there should have been figs. Not! The fig tree was deceptive. It looked good on the outside. But where were the figs? It was barren and unproductive. Jesus looks at our hearts. Not the outward appearance. Jesus expects fruit. Growth. He cursed the fig tree.

The next day the disciples noticed the fig tree was dried up. Jesus said they needed faith in God to believe Him for anything. If they did not doubt in their hearts, prayed and believed there would be results. How is your faith? We must have a strong confidence in God. Our Christian walk is a walk of faith. Let us have faith, let us pray and be forgiving.

Jesus cleans out the Temple courts the second time. He did it at the beginning of His ministry and He does it again. According to Jewish law only the Messiah or High Priest could cleanse the Temple. Jesus was stating that He was both. He questioned them on John the baptist's teachings. Were they from God or man-made? No matter how they answered it would prove that John was right. That Jesus is the Lamb of God, the promised Messiah. The religious leaders could not answer Jesus. Therefore, Jesus would not answer them.

Jesus wants to come into our hearts and clean us up. He wants us to bear fruit. He wants us to walk in faith. Let Him in. He is the Messiah and Savior.

Prayer: Father, clean me up. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Application: Receive Jesus' power to bear fruit.

Encounter Jesus: Jesus is here to cleanse you and work in you by the Holy Spirit to produce fruit for Him. Receive His power.