The "you think you're judging the gospel but the gospel is judging you, your response to it is how you will be judged," part was so profound. Going to use that.
He is from calvary Chapel. I grew up with this type of teaching. Word by word chapter by chapter book by book. Makes everything other preaching style seem watered down and cherry-picked. 😃👍
The whole idea of Christians never getting angry or using force is a misconception. It is a Christian thing to have righteous anger. Those who allow evil men to harm innocents Spiritually or physically, and have the means to stop them but don't sin. It is wrong to have the ability to take action and just stand by watching harm be done.
Did you ever stop to wonder why Jesus cursed the fig tree in Mark Chapter 11? The truth is I really didn’t understand the subtle yet significant message Jesus was teaching until I began propagating and growing fig trees, and now that I know the context of the story, and something about fig trees, I want to share it with you as well. The account begins the day following Jesus entering Jerusalem on what we call “Palm Sunday”, days before Jesus would be crucified. On the previous day he had visited the temple and saw everything going on at His Father’s (God’s) house. He saw the buying, selling and merchandising - the great sin of the priests who were profiting and taking advantage of pilgrims who were faithfully coming to celebrate Passover. After spending the night in Bethany it goes on to say: Mark 11:12-14 Later ‘that’ day the account goes on to say that he went to the temple and cast the money changers and merchandisers out, turning over their tables. In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!” “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. (Mark 11:20-22) Now it probably seems strange that Jesus cursed a tree just because he was hungry and was disappointed, but we’d be missing out on what Jesus was teaching His disciples if we didn’t look closer. The significance of the Breba crop Did you know that many fig trees bear more than just one crop? There is something we today call a ‘Breba’ crop, or an ‘out of season’ crop. The Breba crop is produced on ‘a mature branch’ the previous year’s wood, unlike the main crop of figs that grow on the current year’s new, green wood. The Breba crop is small in number but often produces the very largest, sweet figs, a time when no other tree is anywhere close to ripening fruit. You see, the leafy tree in the distance was holding out the promise of fruit (blessing… sustenance… life). People had gone all winter without fresh fruit and looked forward to these ‘Breba’ figs, so of course Jesus fully and rightfully expected that the tree would naturally have early fruit growing on ‘a mature branch’. But there is always more to the story isn’t there? Jesus was “expecting to find fruit” from the mature wood, and at a time when it was most desired in early spring (at about the time of Passover) and because it was expected and sent him away hungry, it was a tree holding out promise, but upon further investigation it was found lacking. It was a fig tree that didn’t provide what it was created to provide. The Jewish leaders - the Priests, Rabbis, Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and others were in fact, Israel’s ‘mature branches’. Created to bear good fruit When Jesus had entered Jerusalem the previous day, he was expecting to find the religious leaders feeding spiritual fruit to the hungry pilgrims, many of whom had come to the Passover celebration to find sustenance. They came to the temple expecting to be fed, but only found disappointment. The religious leaders who were ordained (created) to feed them the good things of God, presented themselves like early leaves; holding out the promise of fruit, but they were in fact fruitless. Instead of providing nourishment, they were taking advantage of the people and sending them away hungry - just as Jesus was left hungry by the fruitless fig tree. Jesus was conveying both a prophetic and practical message to his disciples: If you are created to bear good fruit, but are rebellious and refuse to bear fruit, you will be cursed. His words were, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:14) In 70 AD (less than a generation later) when the Jews rebelled against Rome, the temple was destroyed. The priests were expelled or killed, and the temple was set on fire to recover the gold adorning the temple and then taken apart block by block to recover that gold. In a somewhat related verse, Jesus spoke the following words: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, ‘thrown into the fire and burned’. (John 15:5-6) Many people wander about in our world, hungry for the things of God. As we know, you and I were created and equipped to bear good fruit - both the early and hungrily anticipated ‘Breba’ crop and likewise the ‘main season’ sustaining crop; so that no one, not a single person, should ever have to go away hungry.
God gives good gifts. When he gave Israel to the Jewish people, it was not just any old piece of land… God says in Deuteronomy 8, “The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land… a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey”. There are seven species of food mentioned here, which would be abundant in the land promised to his people, and it is the time leading up to the Jewish holidays when many of them are ripe and ready to be eaten. There is so much richness in what God has created and placed in this land for his people - not just in their good taste and nutrition, but in their meaning too. And the fig is a fruit that crops up again and again in the scriptures, because God does nothing without purpose. The man who checks bags for bombs on our transport system was eating juicy figs and gave one to me with a smile. There is something that just feels rich and decadent about figs. The amazing deep colours, the distinctive shape and glorious gentle smell. It is no wonder that this feature of God’s creation crops up repeatedly in the Bible in wonderfully symbollic ways. First of all, we see the figs in the garden of Eden - covering up the shame of Adam and Eve. In fact, it’s the only tree specified that we know for sure was in the garden. Throughout the scriptures, the plant becomes a symbol of prosperity, wellbeing, and security. Along with the vine, to sit under the plentiful shade of your own fig tree is the opitome of safety, peace and wellbeing in many Biblical passages. These plants don’t grow overnight, and it takes time to culture and nurture them - their maturity indicates that the gardener has been continuously and steadfastly there, tending to their growth over the years. For Israel, exile and wandering has been a byword for punishment and so sitting under your own vine and fig tree is a sign of blessing and security. The fig tree as a metaphor for Israel The fig tree is also symbollic of Israel itself - It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically. Hosea 9:10 says, “When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.” Later, the Bible tells us of the glorious time when “Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.” (1 Kings 4:25) Later still, following the minor prophets we can see warnings to the nation of how God would bring destruction and failure of crops as part of his judgement against them, specifying empty fig trees that were stripped bare and fruitless. (Joel, Habakkuk and Haggai) It’s almost as if the fig was something of a barometer of the health of the nation - taken away as punishment, and flourishing in times of restoration. In the New Testament we can also see Yeshua using the symbolic fig tree - firstly in the calling of Nathanael who was “sitting under a fig tree” like a “true Israelite” in John 1:48-50. Later he curses the fruitless fig tree, representing unfruitfulness (Mark 11:12-21), and then uses the fig as a metaphor of how we should recognise the signs of the times (Matthew 24:32). This end-times warning system with the fig analogy is picked up again in Revelation 6:13. So from Genesis to Revelation, the fig features strongly in scriptural symbolism. There are many more interesting references not mentioned here which are also worth exploring in Judges, Song of Songs, and parables of Yeshua. Figs flourishing in Israel today Today Israel is full of fig trees - huge, well developed, shady and mature. They produce two harvests of fruit a year, the early crop around Passover time in the spring, even before the leaves have unfurled, and the biggest, best, most juicy fruits come into their own in September, close to the Jewish holidays of Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot (Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles respectively). It is possible to consider that the flourishing of figs today in Israel is a Messianic sign in itself - the people are back in the land, the fig trees are abundant and plentiful, and the nation is now waiting for restoration to come. We know that the restoration will be a spiritual revival, and all his people greeting their Messiah Yeshua, saying “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”, or “Welcome Yeshua, our Messiah!” Come, Lord Jesus, and find us ready!
"He saw the buying, selling and merchandising - the great sin of the priests who were profiting and taking advantage of pilgrims who were faithfully coming to celebrate Passover." Nonsense! Any jew could transport the intended sacrifice to the temple himself. Or in case, for what ever reason, it was not suitable to transport the sacrifice a very long distance, the regulated sacrificial animals could be bought at the temple. All in perfect accordance with the jewish law. Are you suggesting that those who raised the animals should not be compensated for their labor and expenses as well as being able to feed their families too?
@@michaelanderson4849 I didn't take it to mean this. There is a difference between the buying and selling that could take place as we know, and taking advantage of. Why did you decide to be contentious over this? There is a better way.
@@Irene77545 Pray for everything. But honestly Irene, the bible is pretty clear about how God feels about false teachers. Its one thing to be a lost sheep and be in error and share your error with others. Its another thing entirely to be deceptive, to break down scripture to fit an agenda, and to offend Gods little ones. I believe based on multiple verses, that God will not allow false teachers hearts to be softened. He WILL allow them to be taken by their beliefs unto death. I will mention one of these verses, in revelations it says anyone who changes the words of these prophesies will be cursed. He doesn't mention the people that believe in the false doctrines, he says the ones creating and teaching false doctrines will be cursed. He explicitly says "change" meaning people who instead of seeking God's wisdom or viewpoint on scripture, twist the word of God for their own benefit, or even worse, for the benefit of satans agenda. So, for me I don't pray for teachers of false doctrines, I take this label seriously, and watch ALOT of their sermons to make that personal judgment. I pray that God's will be done in all matters, and for me to accept it. If the word is any indication of Gods will, which is it obviously is, false teachers are not going to be saved. Saul the murderer wasn't a false teacher, he was a lost sheep following what he thought was right. He believed he was a righteous soldier in killing Christians. He wouldn't be considered a false teacher even though he perpetuated a hateful ideology against the new children of God.
And since our bodies are the temple, perhaps that’s also a picture of how zealous Jesus is at expelling the sin from within us; cleansing us. Powerful.
My favorite part of the temple cleansing story is that he MADE A WHIP! That tells me it wasn’t just a spur of the moment activity. That would take several HOURS to braid a whip together! 😂
I think it's more likely he just took off his belt and started swinging it. Like the Bible will say someone "made" something into something else to describe an action, not the actual object. Like if I told you I made my faith my shield, you wouldn't assume I fashioned an actual shield out of my faith, you would know rather that I _use_ my faith as a shield.
Many great points here. My local lutheran churches have a long tradition of portraying Jesus as passive, non- confrontational, and certainly "Low energy". I liked your point about not pulling out scripture to support capitalism, socialism, etc. As if the meaning and points shown in the Bible are there to sermonize us on this or that tax rate or economic system!
Well there are certainly lessons about how to handle property and money in the Bible, which is part of economics. In the same vein many moral teachings of the Bible relate directly to how political systems should function. So while I agree that the Bible isn't to be used as a bludgeon to support a political agenda, we should have clear understanding that systems that go against Biblical teachings are to be avoided.
@@DiggitySlice Of course, I agree completely. There are many systems which should be avoided. My point was merely that some preachers, who I admire, are too loose and ready to insert a very spesific, narrow political agenda into their preaching. Say, for example, a tax increase. Now, I'm not a big fan of high taxes, and after a certain percentage it is immoral and an evil. But I dislike when preachers take spesific cases like these, and use time supposed to be dedicated to God's word, to "vent" their own personal irritation over them. General principles and dividing lines are fine, but a semon should not sound like the local republican party line, or something copied from das Kapital.
I saw a couple of months ago that the fig tree struck me as an action parable. I love those lightning eureka moments with my bible, and your teaching is so solid! Praise God for this channel.
I appreciate you Pastor Mike. Your teaching and faithfulness to GOD"S Word has totally help change my life. I have not been the same since. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Word. Sarah and Flora thank you again for your faithfulness. May GOD Bless you all richly
Mike, something just come up when you talked about the cleaning. Jesus was the one Who cleaned out the temple. He knew who and what to drive out. As He lives in my body, I want Him to tell me what in this temple needs to be driven out and then through grace drive it out. Psalm 138:8 says that He will perfect what is wrong in me for only He can and is able to do it! He, and ONLY He, can bring it to pass! I know for myself that I cannot.❤️
That thumbnail (Mike's facial expression) for the "reminder" for this livestream made me giggle a little bit. It's good to have a sense of humor when you are teaching. It really got my attention and I tuned in and watched and learned from it. Thank you, Mike. :)
Just moved to a new house alone and found out I have a fig tree and now I learn about this. I don't know how to feel lol don't mess up. Ima take care of it and make sure it bears good fruit I shall accomplish this! 🙏
I think its important to note the emphasis on "he found nothing but leaves" considering even when fig trees aren't bearing fruit they still have little structures that grow into the fruit at the base of the leaves, so if he emphasizes nothing but leaves, not only does the tree have no fruit, but its basically sterile, never having the potential to make fruit. Shows further relation to the brokenness of the temple.
If this is true, it is is SUCH an important point. Otherwise Jesus seems to be not only illogical to expect fruit but also petty to kill something (I don't care about the tree... but I know it represents something else) for not bearing fruit when it isn't even created to do so at the time.
Mike, do you think His cleansing the temple had any correlation with the "spring cleaning" that was going on in Jewish homes that week in preparation for Passover? Removing the leaven?
I think we can call Jesus' cleansing the temple "violent". & We don't know that the animals didn't recognise Jesus as the Messiah. Baalam's donkey could see an angel when a prophet couldn't. I think sometimes animals see things that humans can't. We can't sugar coat the temple cleansing incident. It was violent and confrontational and that's ok! Righteous indignation is good.
Perhaps @republiccooper, you would have a good answer to my question: does the Bible have enough backing to support physical discipline in a parental sense? Just in need of clarification.
I totally understand what you mean when you say that prosperity teachers abuse people in so many ways: compelling them to give, building guady Churches and neglecting the poor among them. However, I think the righteous anger directed to these people must not swing us too far away from the fact that prosperity is not a swear word. It is something I hope for myself and neighbors. Furthermore, when I was a student at university I was in a charismatic Church that was Biblically sound. They also spent time teaching us how to manage our finances. How to save and invest. How to budget. To be honest the reason my husband and I are into saving, living simple lives and being generous is because of what our Church taught us. Its not all hopeless gaudy extortionists out there in the Charismatic movement. Just wanted to bring another perspective 💖
I can't believe that we need to get down to defending Jesus actions on a tree!! He is the Lord of creation. A tree is a tree - what on earth are going through people's minds to even bring that up. And with that sort of thinking, would someone like that even be receptive of the gospel?
Let me help you understand (and kindly meant)... if the tree is representative of a person (or group) and someone is trying to understand the character of Christ/ nature of God, then it makes perfect sense to wonder why Christ 1. Expected a tree to have fruit when it wasn't the right season and 2. Killed that tree for not bearing fruit even though it wasn't the right season to do so. This seems highly illogical. I'm a new believer and I'm not going to stop believing over this but things like this were a hindrance for me for a long time.
I was just scrolling through and this caught my eye because the issue of righteous anger / what anger is and is not sin has long been of interest to me. Now I want to go back and start this series from the beginning -so thank you for that
I am new to your channel and enjoy your teaching, so much common sense, your straightforwardness, your humor and compassion really get the message across. I also like the fact that you do Not have the need to scream at us like so many do. Another comment here mentioned binge watching, LOL I hear that. Again thank you.
He flipped the tables and kicked out the money changers to warn us what the Mark will be. Very understandable why He had to show his authority to show His love.
So I want to say when I read about the fig tree I was unhappy about it because I viewed myself as the fig tree, being a baby Christian. While trying to trust God to change me, I worried I wouldn't bear fruit in time and he would curse me too. I took it very personally, but then I think we all should allow it to challenge us
Your quick discussion about prosperity teachers reminded me of one guy I heard on the radio. He would talk about how if you just purchase his tape and follow his teaching you will never be in want; you'll always have all the money you need. At the end, he made the usual pitch for donations because "it costs $10,000 a month to keep the show on the air and I just don't have that kind of money". I so wanted to purchase one of his tapes but tell him to keep it and listen to it - then he'd never have to make a pitch for donations again.
Meek and soft, too different things. Compassionate and wish washy, too different things. Being assertive strong tough and bold.. having hutzpah and courage, then there’s passive a victim weak and fleeting, again, two different mindsets.
So made me laugh when you said Jesus family were poor as they offered doves; that’s one in the eye for prosperity teachers! It really did! Thanks Brother Mike your lessons are humble, loving, caring but overall TRUTHFUL! Thank the Lord, for humble truth seekers.
Mike will probably never see this comment but... I'm not upset about the thought about Jesus killing a tree. However, I'm SUPER confused about his apparent expectation that it would have fruit when Mark clearly states it is not in season. If we're believing the fig tree is representing something else, then Jesus killing anything for not producing XYZ when it isn't even the season to produce is SUPER illogical and could be a cause to question the character of Christ. The whole "fruit not in season" thing was glossed over in a HUGE way.
I have been listening to all of your Mark series (as well as your Evidence for the Bible) and a boatload of other videos, and realized I hadn’t said thank you. So, thanks, Mike, for these insightful, kind, and edifying studies. I have shared and recommended to a lot of people. Keep up the good work, and don’t let the flaming arrows through.
His ‘anger’ at those in the temple is righteous. These men in temple knew it was not a place to buy and sell goods, it was to be a place of worship and sanctified. They were showing contempt for YHWH by doing so, like they did with profaning the sabbath. This ‘anger’ that Jesus showed doesn’t give us a pass to be angry at anyone at any time for anything, whenever we feel justified to do so. Remember Jesus did nothing for himself (I can do nothing as of myself), he only did/spoke as he was commanded by YHWH through the Holy Spirit.
I kept expecting you to use the term 'righteous indignation,' and you talked about the beautiful buildings with poverty all around them. Incidentally, when COVID-19 first hit, I waited to see if Copeland, Duplantis and others would help, with all of their wealth....I saw nothing. That's when I begged God to show me the truth and A. Parr was talking about you and other Apologists.
One thing I will say about Mike Winger is that He is relatively balanced concerning other religions (that he doesn't believe in). I listen to him to get the other side of things. Is he a Calvinist? I'm just asking, because I don't know....
I think its just further corroborated by the consistent parables and allegories that feature farming, planting, sewing, reaping, harvesting, chaff and all these things. It probably also done intentionally to challenge us. You say you know who Jesus is and believe in him and yet somehow you presume him short in some way lol! Who said God doesn't have a sense of humor. all things proceed from him. Twisted or directly lifted. The fig tree thing being out of season might also be an allusion to the "i will come when you least expect", the time of my coming will be at a time that will catch you unaware (out of season). I think there's some corroboration that supports that as well.
i think the cursing of the fig was old covenant Israel who wasn't baring fruit under the old covenant. They were going after other God and so he cursed the fig tree as type of abolishing the law in Israel through the fulfilling of the law. he said they were under a curse in malachi if you remember. The who nation was. They were cursed for not bringing their tithes and offering in the storehouse as they were supposed to. The old covenant was done away with in Christ.
6:07 - the short version of the explanation, Im going to hear the longer version later, loved this, and may go back to the beginning of Mark and go through this again!
Watching your video on Fig Tree and Israel was really interesting and educational. I agree that on one hand, Israel had no good fruit to eat (e.g., no figs to eat) but on the other hand, the fruits of Christianity outweighed the evil committed by Israel because Christianity entered into the world through bloodshed and conquest, specially in Europe and the Americas. There is no justification for committing genocide in the name of Jesus or destroying civilizations to bring a new religion. Israel had corrupted the Temple but Church of Jesus has pedophile priest, meggachurches, televangelist and before that, genocide. So, historically, Christianty outweighes Israel in evilness, both are corrupt, but Christiantiy is more. Now, we view Jesus as a loving god, but African-Americans were not Christians during the days of Abraham Lincoln nor Indians, each one had their own religion and set of beliefs. But ah, great videos, nice commentaries.
I love that you do not get all political. Nobody changes with political comments. The power for change is in the Word of God, which is what you present.
The fig tree’s naturally grow fruit before the leaves open, so this tree in full leaf gave promise of well-developed fruit. The fig tree was presenting leaves before the season which always means there is surely fruit as the fruit comes first in a fig tree. 🌿
Since Jesus mentioned that the temple is supposed to be a house of prayer for all nations, that makes me think that when they were doing this buying and selling, they were taking up a lot of space, like at the mall, or flea market, and a lot of that space may have been space God wanted for people to be able to find a spot to pray.
Thank you for your biblically sound teaching! I was convicted by the point of cleaning up your own temple. It’s easy to see faults in the church, but I need God to show me where I’m falling short and be obedient even when it’s not easy! I’ve always wondered why Jesus cursed the fig tree. Thank you for explaining that so clearly! God bless you!!
The issue with the fig tree is that a fig tree begins to grow the fig before the leaves come out and when the leaves mature the figs are supposed to be getting ripe! My family has grown figs since I was a little boy and have seen this every year! The leaves speak of figs being ready, not having any figs means that the tree is lying about its fruit! Jesus cursed the fig tree because it was not fulfilling its purpose, and him cursing the tree cut off its reason for living!
Genuine question though... Mark said that figs weren't in season. So why would Jesus expect fruit from a tree that wasn't supposed to be bearing fruit at that time? I do appreciate the information, though.
Jonah’s vine also withers from the root in the context of God’s judgment on a specific human population. יבש is the same verb used in Hosea 9:16. Here the entire figure of the stricken root, the withering of the plant and the curse of barrenness of fruit is present. Actually the beginning of the chapter is parallel to the episode in Mark.
Thank you brother Mike for this teaching, it was very enlightening. Father's blessings, peace and love to you and your family always in the Holy and Mighty Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior.
Yes, the fig tree story is about The jews and that they will never find their way back to God. There is no scripture that really defend another point of view.
When you survey all of the ways Jesus taught it is obvious that he uses imagery all throughout His ministry. The fig tree is just one of many. People were just as puzzled by what he was saying when he was here in the same way many are puzzled today. For instance "born again" eat my flesh and drink my blood ...i am the vine you are the branches...you will bear fruit....parable of the sower...i am the door etc etc. Even today people argue about what these sayings really mean. Jesus uses teaching like this to force us to look deeper into his word and our heart to teach us.. Most of these things are understood by common sense and really focusing on and thinking about what he says throughout the Gospels.
is not the fig tree a picture of when jesus comes back and he sees no fruit in us those are proff they are not his real proffesing believers and those who have fruit when he comes back have shown evidence that they were genuine believers ? faith- witouth works- dead works- evidence of the faith also the other verse about branch and vine cut of and thrown into fire
Works ultimately do nothing for us. No matter how many things we do for the Lord we will never measure up to being good enough. We are saved by grace through faith alone, now I’m not saying we should not do things for God, if you are saved you should want to go out and preach the word and perform works, just those works are not what saves us
Matthew 23: 39 39 For I tell you( Israël), you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Matthew 24: 32-33 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors
The only understanding of the fig tree was that Jesus spoke to it so we can also speak to things. I never heard anyone teach on the fig tree the way you have. Thank you for your faithfulness to teaching truth.
I'm so confused. I just watched something last night from this channel advising against memes that dishonor the Sovereinty of Christ, including many beautiful adjectives phrases to refute the irreverent practice. The topic won't be fleshed out disrespectfully (I'm certain), but the visual and the caption offend my heart for God.
Thank you pastor mike, may the Lord jesus provides throughout all of your affairs so he may always find your household in the season for figs. For he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
“You ‘pitied’ the shrub, for which you didn’t work and which you didn’t raise; it grew in a night and perished in a night. 11 Yet for my part, can’t I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred twenty thousand people who can’t tell their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”
Thank you so much for this!!! I was in a prosperity preaching church and over a year ago the Lord opened my eyes. I just watch the amaerican gospel movie and then next day the Holy Spirit put this passage of scripture on my heart and showed me how they are doing the same thing. I've also heard them talk on the fig tree using it as a name it and came it scripture and how we have the same power too. You gave me new eyes for this passage.
The mark 11 fig tree curse is simply just that...a curse from CHRIST because JESUS CHRIST ..THE MESSIAH..knew the jews ..pharisees...saducees......were denying CHRIST as the MESSIAH..THE SAVIOUR....
[Boredly glancing at that 'guidelines' feature-put up kind of sign in front of me all while feeling with this one as if it itself has got some air of a Paranoid feel to this whole channel's/video's when it comes to places like this .... .... before already quickly proceeding into here after that little pop-up delay of his] Hrm. judging by that (understandable, but I just could not help it myself (for example)) thumbnail choice of yours here for example, and just surfing a bit of so far what I have only quickly red on what you wrote in this type of video's description here.... (I have no time to explain for a Longer review, of my own share for here, but I'll simply say this for now): (Don't be Blindly Offended- that Remindingly goes for All of us. Again, as Usual.-but) I don't think that He Needs the help of being 'reminded' exactly What is Good and What is *Evil* , being Told What to do and Don't do, etc when this kind of video is coming from a still, Full-on *Money* -Servant like you yourself. (which is one of His Strongest Teachings that He has left for All of us and told us to still think about and act Serious on-to Which Side All of each of us are really on exactly-and also Warns us All all about). so. [Bluntly shrugs]
I've seen way too many Christians, especially on social media, try to use this passage as justification for religious violence. This passage, like the majority of the book of Mark, is about the identity and authority of Jesus, not on how we personally should act when we see injustice. A lot of people who are understandably angry about today's culture trying to stir for an uprising and theocracy. No.
Just wanted to add that Jesus did this in the court of the gentiles. Since gentiles were not allowed to enter the temple, this open court was meant for any gentiles who wanted to pray to the God of the Jews. Mark 11:17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” "for all nations" - - Jesus was symbolically ensuring that gentiles could approach God. I was a gentile and now I'm a living temple, even the Holy of Holies, because within me dwells the Holy Spirit. 😊 After 46 years I am still in awe of God's mercy and grace.
JESUS IS LORD. HE can do whatever he wants & its all purely righteous. HE knows what he's doing. We mere flawed humans. He gave us specific instructions on how WE are to behave. Like; give our troubles up to HIM. & James 1:20 says OUR anger, HUMAN anger, does not please our 3rce Holy God.
The "you think you're judging the gospel but the gospel is judging you, your response to it is how you will be judged," part was so profound. Going to use that.
WOW - finally I find "meat" teachings instead of "milk" preaching. I learned a few things here, and am very stoked I found your channel.
Thank you!
Garry Hamrick is very sound
He is from calvary Chapel. I grew up with this type of teaching. Word by word chapter by chapter book by book. Makes everything other preaching style seem watered down and cherry-picked. 😃👍
The whole idea of Christians never getting angry or using force is a misconception. It is a Christian thing to have righteous anger. Those who allow evil men to harm innocents Spiritually or physically, and have the means to stop them but don't sin. It is wrong to have the ability to take action and just stand by watching harm be done.
Facts my brother
Which is why judgment of cosmo visits church first
I have and we need to have righteous indignation at times
Have the means to stop them but don't sin?
You mean, those who have the means to stop them but don't, sin.
I feel like I'm at the bottom of a pit lookin up. asking you guys to pray for me. I have been struggling with alcohol.
I'll keep you in my prayers.
I will keep you in my prayers a well.
Do you have anyone who can help you?
It's too big for you but not too big for Him. Can you turn it over to him? Twelve step groups have helped me a lot
Praying for you!
Don’t be afraid of seeking professional help. ❤️
Did you ever stop to wonder why Jesus cursed the fig tree in Mark Chapter 11? The truth is I really didn’t understand the subtle yet significant message Jesus was teaching until I began propagating and growing fig trees, and now that I know the context of the story, and something about fig trees, I want to share it with you as well.
The account begins the day following Jesus entering Jerusalem on what we call “Palm Sunday”, days before Jesus would be crucified. On the previous day he had visited the temple and saw everything going on at His Father’s (God’s) house. He saw the buying, selling and merchandising - the great sin of the priests who were profiting and taking advantage of pilgrims who were faithfully coming to celebrate Passover. After spending the night in Bethany it goes on to say: Mark 11:12-14
Later ‘that’ day the account goes on to say that he went to the temple and cast the money changers and merchandisers out, turning over their tables.
In the morning, as they went along, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”
“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. (Mark 11:20-22)
Now it probably seems strange that Jesus cursed a tree just because he was hungry and was disappointed, but we’d be missing out on what Jesus was teaching His disciples if we didn’t look closer.
The significance of the Breba crop
Did you know that many fig trees bear more than just one crop? There is something we today call a ‘Breba’ crop, or an ‘out of season’ crop.
The Breba crop is produced on ‘a mature branch’ the previous year’s wood, unlike the main crop of figs that grow on the current year’s new, green wood. The Breba crop is small in number but often produces the very largest, sweet figs, a time when no other tree is anywhere close to ripening fruit.
You see, the leafy tree in the distance was holding out the promise of fruit (blessing… sustenance… life). People had gone all winter without fresh fruit and looked forward to these ‘Breba’ figs, so of course Jesus fully and rightfully expected that the tree would naturally have early fruit growing on ‘a mature branch’.
But there is always more to the story isn’t there?
Jesus was “expecting to find fruit” from the mature wood, and at a time when it was most desired in early spring (at about the time of Passover) and because it was expected and sent him away hungry, it was a tree holding out promise, but upon further investigation it was found lacking. It was a fig tree that didn’t provide what it was created to provide.
The Jewish leaders - the Priests, Rabbis, Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes and others were in fact, Israel’s ‘mature branches’.
Created to bear good fruit
When Jesus had entered Jerusalem the previous day, he was expecting to find the religious leaders feeding spiritual fruit to the hungry pilgrims, many of whom had come to the Passover celebration to find sustenance. They came to the temple expecting to be fed, but only found disappointment. The religious leaders who were ordained (created) to feed them the good things of God, presented themselves like early leaves; holding out the promise of fruit, but they were in fact fruitless. Instead of providing nourishment, they were taking advantage of the people and sending them away hungry - just as Jesus was left hungry by the fruitless fig tree.
Jesus was conveying both a prophetic and practical message to his disciples: If you are created to bear good fruit, but are rebellious and refuse to bear fruit, you will be cursed. His words were,
“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:14)
In 70 AD (less than a generation later) when the Jews rebelled against Rome, the temple was destroyed. The priests were expelled or killed, and the temple was set on fire to recover the gold adorning the temple and then taken apart block by block to recover that gold. In a somewhat related verse, Jesus spoke the following words:
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, ‘thrown into the fire and burned’. (John 15:5-6)
Many people wander about in our world, hungry for the things of God. As we know, you and I were created and equipped to bear good fruit - both the early and hungrily anticipated ‘Breba’ crop and likewise the ‘main season’ sustaining crop; so that no one, not a single person, should ever have to go away hungry.
God gives good gifts. When he gave Israel to the Jewish people, it was not just any old piece of land… God says in Deuteronomy 8,
“The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land… a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey”.
There are seven species of food mentioned here, which would be abundant in the land promised to his people, and it is the time leading up to the Jewish holidays when many of them are ripe and ready to be eaten. There is so much richness in what God has created and placed in this land for his people - not just in their good taste and nutrition, but in their meaning too. And the fig is a fruit that crops up again and again in the scriptures, because God does nothing without purpose.
The man who checks bags for bombs on our transport system was eating juicy figs and gave one to me with a smile. There is something that just feels rich and decadent about figs. The amazing deep colours, the distinctive shape and glorious gentle smell.
It is no wonder that this feature of God’s creation crops up repeatedly in the Bible in wonderfully symbollic ways. First of all, we see the figs in the garden of Eden - covering up the shame of Adam and Eve. In fact, it’s the only tree specified that we know for sure was in the garden. Throughout the scriptures, the plant becomes a symbol of prosperity, wellbeing, and security. Along with the vine, to sit under the plentiful shade of your own fig tree is the opitome of safety, peace and wellbeing in many Biblical passages. These plants don’t grow overnight, and it takes time to culture and nurture them - their maturity indicates that the gardener has been continuously and steadfastly there, tending to their growth over the years. For Israel, exile and wandering has been a byword for punishment and so sitting under your own vine and fig tree is a sign of blessing and security.
The fig tree as a metaphor for Israel
The fig tree is also symbollic of Israel itself - It often symbolized the health of the nation both spiritually and physically. Hosea 9:10 says,
“When I found Israel, it was like finding grapes in the desert; when I saw your ancestors, it was like seeing the early fruit on the fig tree.”
Later, the Bible tells us of the glorious time when
“Judah and Israel lived in safety, every man under his vine and his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.” (1 Kings 4:25)
Later still, following the minor prophets we can see warnings to the nation of how God would bring destruction and failure of crops as part of his judgement against them, specifying empty fig trees that were stripped bare and fruitless. (Joel, Habakkuk and Haggai)
It’s almost as if the fig was something of a barometer of the health of the nation - taken away as punishment, and flourishing in times of restoration.
In the New Testament we can also see Yeshua using the symbolic fig tree - firstly in the calling of Nathanael who was “sitting under a fig tree” like a “true Israelite” in John 1:48-50. Later he curses the fruitless fig tree, representing unfruitfulness (Mark 11:12-21), and then uses the fig as a metaphor of how we should recognise the signs of the times (Matthew 24:32). This end-times warning system with the fig analogy is picked up again in Revelation 6:13.
So from Genesis to Revelation, the fig features strongly in scriptural symbolism. There are many more interesting references not mentioned here which are also worth exploring in Judges, Song of Songs, and parables of Yeshua.
Figs flourishing in Israel today
Today Israel is full of fig trees - huge, well developed, shady and mature. They produce two harvests of fruit a year, the early crop around Passover time in the spring, even before the leaves have unfurled, and the biggest, best, most juicy fruits come into their own in September, close to the Jewish holidays of Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur and Sukkot (Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement and Feast of Tabernacles respectively).
It is possible to consider that the flourishing of figs today in Israel is a Messianic sign in itself - the people are back in the land, the fig trees are abundant and plentiful, and the nation is now waiting for restoration to come. We know that the restoration will be a spiritual revival, and all his people greeting their Messiah Yeshua, saying “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord”, or “Welcome Yeshua, our Messiah!” Come, Lord Jesus, and find us ready!
"He saw the buying, selling and merchandising - the great sin of the priests who were profiting and taking advantage of pilgrims who were faithfully coming to celebrate Passover."
Nonsense! Any jew could transport the intended sacrifice to the temple himself. Or in case, for what ever reason, it was not suitable to transport the sacrifice a very long distance, the regulated sacrificial animals could be bought at the temple. All in perfect accordance with the jewish law. Are you suggesting that those who raised the animals should not be compensated for their labor and expenses as well as being able to feed their families too?
Thanks. I learned something tonight. That's a cool parallel.
Thank you for sharing this!
@@michaelanderson4849 I didn't take it to mean this. There is a difference between the buying and selling that could take place as we know, and taking advantage of. Why did you decide to be contentious over this? There is a better way.
I’m so enjoying this Mark series. I find myself saying “ohhhh” so often. These videos are such a blessing. Thank you Pastor Mike 🙏🏼
Mike's teaching is like a close friend.
An atheist's teaching on the Bible is like a crooked, used car salesman.
can relate 100% lol
Same!
Me too
@@livewireOrourke An atheist has nothing to offer anyone from the scriptures. He is ignorant of everything regarding God.
It would be interesting to see how Copeland, Duplantis, Hinn, etc. would react to Jesus if he started flipping jets.
😂😂 Bless u sis!
But thinking abt their soul it real sad. Pray for them!
@@Irene77545 Pray for everything. But honestly Irene, the bible is pretty clear about how God feels about false teachers. Its one thing to be a lost sheep and be in error and share your error with others. Its another thing entirely to be deceptive, to break down scripture to fit an agenda, and to offend Gods little ones. I believe based on multiple verses, that God will not allow false teachers hearts to be softened. He WILL allow them to be taken by their beliefs unto death. I will mention one of these verses, in revelations it says anyone who changes the words of these prophesies will be cursed. He doesn't mention the people that believe in the false doctrines, he says the ones creating and teaching false doctrines will be cursed. He explicitly says "change" meaning people who instead of seeking God's wisdom or viewpoint on scripture, twist the word of God for their own benefit, or even worse, for the benefit of satans agenda. So, for me I don't pray for teachers of false doctrines, I take this label seriously, and watch ALOT of their sermons to make that personal judgment. I pray that God's will be done in all matters, and for me to accept it. If the word is any indication of Gods will, which is it obviously is, false teachers are not going to be saved. Saul the murderer wasn't a false teacher, he was a lost sheep following what he thought was right. He believed he was a righteous soldier in killing Christians. He wouldn't be considered a false teacher even though he perpetuated a hateful ideology against the new children of God.
@@jxslayz6663 exactly. Those people know the words of God. And still they take it to as you say, fit their agenda.
Big Daddy: What is their agenda??
EricFinite:.Do tell...Do you know someone's ❤ heart ❤?? What is somebody's true "agenda?".Do you have your own "agenda?"
And since our bodies are the temple, perhaps that’s also a picture of how zealous Jesus is at expelling the sin from within us; cleansing us. Powerful.
My favorite part of the temple cleansing story is that he MADE A WHIP! That tells me it wasn’t just a spur of the moment activity. That would take several HOURS to braid a whip together! 😂
Several minutes!
I think it's more likely he just took off his belt and started swinging it. Like the Bible will say someone "made" something into something else to describe an action, not the actual object.
Like if I told you I made my faith my shield, you wouldn't assume I fashioned an actual shield out of my faith, you would know rather that I _use_ my faith as a shield.
Indeed no 'emotional outburst'... But I think a 'whipping Jesus' is difficult for many to reconcile with the Jesus they designed into their own minds.
If GOD had to FLOOD the entire planet---Christ can surely
point out the wickedness in the Temple by overturning a
few tables.
Many great points here. My local lutheran churches have a long tradition of portraying Jesus as passive, non- confrontational, and certainly "Low energy". I liked your point about not pulling out scripture to support capitalism, socialism, etc. As if the meaning and points shown in the Bible are there to sermonize us on this or that tax rate or economic system!
Well there are certainly lessons about how to handle property and money in the Bible, which is part of economics. In the same vein many moral teachings of the Bible relate directly to how political systems should function. So while I agree that the Bible isn't to be used as a bludgeon to support a political agenda, we should have clear understanding that systems that go against Biblical teachings are to be avoided.
@@DiggitySlice Of course, I agree completely. There are many systems which should be avoided.
My point was merely that some preachers, who I admire, are too loose and ready to insert a very spesific, narrow political agenda into their preaching. Say, for example, a tax increase. Now, I'm not a big fan of high taxes, and after a certain percentage it is immoral and an evil. But I dislike when preachers take spesific cases like these, and use time supposed to be dedicated to God's word, to "vent" their own personal irritation over them.
General principles and dividing lines are fine, but a semon should not sound like the local republican party line, or something copied from das Kapital.
I love the part where Jezus turned the tables of the Farizeans over...
mind you: he did NOT kill them
like mohamed did to his adversaries
I saw a couple of months ago that the fig tree struck me as an action parable. I love those lightning eureka moments with my bible, and your teaching is so solid! Praise God for this channel.
I appreciate you Pastor Mike. Your teaching and faithfulness to GOD"S Word has totally help change my life. I have not been the same since. Thank you for your faithfulness to the Word. Sarah and Flora thank you again for your faithfulness. May GOD Bless you all richly
Same blessingsfrom me! These explanations are priceless. God bless you abundantly Mike, and Sebo and others.
Praise God!
Mike, something just come up when you talked about the cleaning. Jesus was the one Who cleaned out the temple. He knew who and what to drive out. As He lives in my body, I want Him to tell me what in this temple needs to be driven out and then through grace drive it out. Psalm 138:8 says that He will perfect what is wrong in me for only He can and is able to do it! He, and ONLY He, can bring it to pass! I know for myself that I cannot.❤️
I really needed this, thank you and God bless you.
The fruit tree not being in season = when we least expect His second coming. Always be ready.
That thumbnail (Mike's facial expression) for the "reminder" for this livestream made me giggle a little bit. It's good to have a sense of humor when you are teaching. It really got my attention and I tuned in and watched and learned from it. Thank you, Mike. :)
Always enjoying your bible studies brother Mike greatings from Suriname 🇸🇷
Jesus was an is and always will be amazing
I new found appreciation for the fig tree in my front yard :) thank you for the wonderful teaching.
Just moved to a new house alone and found out I have a fig tree and now I learn about this. I don't know how to feel lol don't mess up. Ima take care of it and make sure it bears good fruit I shall accomplish this! 🙏
I think its important to note the emphasis on "he found nothing but leaves" considering even when fig trees aren't bearing fruit they still have little structures that grow into the fruit at the base of the leaves, so if he emphasizes nothing but leaves, not only does the tree have no fruit, but its basically sterile, never having the potential to make fruit. Shows further relation to the brokenness of the temple.
If this is true, it is is SUCH an important point. Otherwise Jesus seems to be not only illogical to expect fruit but also petty to kill something (I don't care about the tree... but I know it represents something else) for not bearing fruit when it isn't even created to do so at the time.
Mike, do you think His cleansing the temple had any correlation with the "spring cleaning" that was going on in Jewish homes that week in preparation for Passover? Removing the leaven?
I think we can call Jesus' cleansing the temple "violent". & We don't know that the animals didn't recognise Jesus as the Messiah. Baalam's donkey could see an angel when a prophet couldn't. I think sometimes animals see things that humans can't. We can't sugar coat the temple cleansing incident. It was violent and confrontational and that's ok! Righteous indignation is good.
Perhaps @republiccooper, you would have a good answer to my question: does the Bible have enough backing to support physical discipline in a parental sense? Just in need of clarification.
@@traumaannellama proverbs 13:24"He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes"
Just had to leave a comment about your thumbnail, had me smiling. Looking forward to hearing this one.
Jesus is definitely very judgemental and angry with the religious leaders....in other chapters !
I laughed so much at the part with the prosperity teachers! (Poking 'em.) 😂😂
I totally understand what you mean when you say that prosperity teachers abuse people in so many ways: compelling them to give, building guady Churches and neglecting the poor among them. However, I think the righteous anger directed to these people must not swing us too far away from the fact that prosperity is not a swear word. It is something I hope for myself and neighbors. Furthermore, when I was a student at university I was in a charismatic Church that was Biblically sound. They also spent time teaching us how to manage our finances. How to save and invest. How to budget. To be honest the reason my husband and I are into saving, living simple lives and being generous is because of what our Church taught us. Its not all hopeless gaudy extortionists out there in the Charismatic movement. Just wanted to bring another perspective 💖
I love that it’s part 42 lol. I keep directing everyone to his teachings. They’re so beneficial and edifying
BELIEVERS preach the gospel to unbelievers. Pray and ask God to help you evangelize, plant the seed of Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:3-6
Mark 16:15-16
I can't believe that we need to get down to defending Jesus actions on a tree!! He is the Lord of creation. A tree is a tree - what on earth are going through people's minds to even bring that up. And with that sort of thinking, would someone like that even be receptive of the gospel?
Inmoral People today teach to love plants and animal more than people.
Let me help you understand (and kindly meant)... if the tree is representative of a person (or group) and someone is trying to understand the character of Christ/ nature of God, then it makes perfect sense to wonder why Christ 1. Expected a tree to have fruit when it wasn't the right season and 2. Killed that tree for not bearing fruit even though it wasn't the right season to do so. This seems highly illogical. I'm a new believer and I'm not going to stop believing over this but things like this were a hindrance for me for a long time.
Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike Mike! Guess what day it is?! Mike!🐫
I was just scrolling through and this caught my eye because the issue of righteous anger / what anger is and is not sin has long been of interest to me. Now I want to go back and start this series from the beginning -so thank you for that
I am new to your channel and enjoy your teaching, so much common sense, your straightforwardness, your humor and compassion really get the message across. I also like the fact that you do Not have the need to scream at us like so many do. Another comment here mentioned binge watching, LOL I hear that. Again thank you.
To be impacted by the gospels is life changing.
So true
This series is amazing!! Just wondering if you’ll be doing other series on all the other gospels or even the epistles?
I have one on Romans and 1 Peter on my channel already. You can find them under my playlists. But after Mark I’m most likely going to do Hebrews.
He flipped the tables and kicked out the money changers to warn us what the Mark will be. Very understandable why He had to show his authority to show His love.
“Tactful but impactful”. The church needs to hear more on this and I hope you share more of what you’ve learned of discernment in ministry.
So I want to say when I read about the fig tree I was unhappy about it because I viewed myself as the fig tree, being a baby Christian. While trying to trust God to change me, I worried I wouldn't bear fruit in time and he would curse me too. I took it very personally, but then I think we all should allow it to challenge us
The pathetic state of Christianity today is evident by anyone being bothered by the killing of a tree.
Your quick discussion about prosperity teachers reminded me of one guy I heard on the radio. He would talk about how if you just purchase his tape and follow his teaching you will never be in want; you'll always have all the money you need. At the end, he made the usual pitch for donations because "it costs $10,000 a month to keep the show on the air and I just don't have that kind of money". I so wanted to purchase one of his tapes but tell him to keep it and listen to it - then he'd never have to make a pitch for donations again.
Meek and soft, too different things. Compassionate and wish washy, too different things. Being assertive strong tough and bold.. having hutzpah and courage, then there’s passive a victim weak and fleeting, again, two different mindsets.
Walk and talk softly, and carry a BIG stick.
Meek doesn't equal weak.
The only problem with the Mark series is that even my She Reads Truth Bible's margins aren't wide enough for all the notes.
So made me laugh when you said Jesus family were poor as they offered doves; that’s one in the eye for prosperity teachers! It really did!
Thanks Brother Mike your lessons are humble, loving, caring but overall TRUTHFUL!
Thank the Lord, for humble truth seekers.
Mike will probably never see this comment but... I'm not upset about the thought about Jesus killing a tree. However, I'm SUPER confused about his apparent expectation that it would have fruit when Mark clearly states it is not in season. If we're believing the fig tree is representing something else, then Jesus killing anything for not producing XYZ when it isn't even the season to produce is SUPER illogical and could be a cause to question the character of Christ. The whole "fruit not in season" thing was glossed over in a HUGE way.
I have been listening to all of your Mark series (as well as your Evidence for the Bible) and a boatload of other videos, and realized I hadn’t said thank you. So, thanks, Mike, for these insightful, kind, and edifying studies. I have shared and recommended to a lot of people. Keep up the good work, and don’t let the flaming arrows through.
His ‘anger’ at those in the temple is righteous. These men in temple knew it was not a place to buy and sell goods, it was to be a place of worship and sanctified. They were showing contempt for YHWH by doing so, like they did with profaning the sabbath. This ‘anger’ that Jesus showed doesn’t give us a pass to be angry at anyone at any time for anything, whenever we feel justified to do so. Remember Jesus did nothing for himself (I can do nothing as of myself), he only did/spoke as he was commanded by YHWH through the Holy Spirit.
I kept expecting you to use the term 'righteous indignation,' and you talked about the beautiful buildings with poverty all around them. Incidentally, when COVID-19 first hit, I waited to see if Copeland, Duplantis and others would help, with all of their wealth....I saw nothing. That's when I begged God to show me the truth and A. Parr was talking about you and other Apologists.
One thing I will say about Mike Winger is that He is relatively balanced concerning other religions (that he doesn't believe in). I listen to him to get the other side of things. Is he a Calvinist? I'm just asking, because I don't know....
I think its just further corroborated by the consistent parables and allegories that feature farming, planting, sewing, reaping, harvesting, chaff and all these things. It probably also done intentionally to challenge us. You say you know who Jesus is and believe in him and yet somehow you presume him short in some way lol! Who said God doesn't have a sense of humor. all things proceed from him. Twisted or directly lifted. The fig tree thing being out of season might also be an allusion to the "i will come when you least expect", the time of my coming will be at a time that will catch you unaware (out of season). I think there's some corroboration that supports that as well.
i think the cursing of the fig was old covenant Israel who wasn't baring fruit under the old covenant. They were going after other God and so he cursed the fig tree as type of abolishing the law in Israel through the fulfilling of the law. he said they were under a curse in malachi if you remember. The who nation was. They were cursed for not bringing their tithes and offering in the storehouse as they were supposed to. The old covenant was done away with in Christ.
Thank you for this! I'm not even in the Mark series yet, so I will come to this again, but I saw this and definitely needed to hear it today.
Wow! That teaching was amazing! Makes me want to binge watch all your videos! So much better than anything on Netflix!!
6:07 - the short version of the explanation, Im going to hear the longer version later, loved this, and may go back to the beginning of Mark and go through this again!
Watching your video on Fig Tree and Israel was really interesting and educational.
I agree that on one hand, Israel had no good fruit to eat (e.g., no figs to eat) but on the other hand, the fruits of Christianity outweighed the evil committed by Israel because Christianity entered into the world through bloodshed and conquest, specially in Europe and the Americas.
There is no justification for committing genocide in the name of Jesus or destroying civilizations to bring a new religion.
Israel had corrupted the Temple but Church of Jesus has pedophile priest, meggachurches, televangelist and before that, genocide. So, historically, Christianty outweighes Israel in evilness, both are corrupt, but Christiantiy is more.
Now, we view Jesus as a loving god, but African-Americans were not Christians during the days of Abraham Lincoln nor Indians, each one had their own religion and set of beliefs.
But ah, great videos, nice commentaries.
I love that you do not get all political. Nobody changes with political comments. The power for change is in the Word of God, which is what you present.
I had a dream that I met the REAL Jesus Christ. And his likeness is completely different, than we have all been convinced to believe it is.
The fig tree’s naturally grow fruit before the leaves open, so this tree in full leaf gave promise of well-developed fruit. The fig tree was presenting leaves before the season which always means there is surely fruit as the fruit comes first in a fig tree. 🌿
Since Jesus mentioned that the temple is supposed to be a house of prayer for all nations, that makes me think that when they were doing this buying and selling, they were taking up a lot of space, like at the mall, or flea market, and a lot of that space may have been space God wanted for people to be able to find a spot to pray.
Wow, I completely didn’t figure the fig scenario out. Thanks Mike
People rioting and burning cars is fine but when they hear that Jesus flipped tables (for a good reason) it's suddenly unacceptable
Jesus was hangry!
Jajajajaja
WE are like the fig tree.
The unforgiven that bear no fruit shall be cursed.
Hmmm
Thank you for your biblically sound teaching! I was convicted by the point of cleaning up your own temple. It’s easy to see faults in the church, but I need God to show me where I’m falling short and be obedient even when it’s not easy! I’ve always wondered why Jesus cursed the fig tree. Thank you for explaining that so clearly! God bless you!!
The issue with the fig tree is that a fig tree begins to grow the fig before the leaves come out and when the leaves mature the figs are supposed to be getting ripe! My family has grown figs since I was a little boy and have seen this every year! The leaves speak of figs being ready, not having any figs means that the tree is lying about its fruit! Jesus cursed the fig tree because it was not fulfilling its purpose, and him cursing the tree cut off its reason for living!
Genuine question though... Mark said that figs weren't in season. So why would Jesus expect fruit from a tree that wasn't supposed to be bearing fruit at that time? I do appreciate the information, though.
Fantastic teaching! Loved it!
Making a flail takes some time and effort, so Jesus' using of one is a very controlled, deliberate act.
This was EXCELLENT!!! Thank you for explaining this as well as you did.
Thank you for your teachings !🤗🤗🤗
Jonah’s vine also withers from the root in the context of God’s judgment on a specific human population.
יבש
is the same verb used in Hosea 9:16. Here the entire figure of the stricken root, the withering of the plant and the curse of barrenness of fruit is present. Actually the beginning of the chapter is parallel to the episode in Mark.
You have the first TH-cam channel I have clicked "watch later" to the point of cramped thumbs. Excited to learn. Appreciate ya!
There is allot of wierdos out there
Thank you brother Mike for this teaching, it was very enlightening. Father's blessings, peace and love to you and your family always in the Holy and Mighty Name of Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior.
Jesus can reject what ever God wants, even if you don't like it..He is Lord! HIM The Messiah! Elohim is the Best!
Yes, the fig tree story is about The jews and that they will never find their way back to God. There is no scripture that really defend another point of view.
Well, considering that WE are the temple now, it can be applied to us and what Jesus will do to us when He comes back and we dont bear any fruit.
Wow! How have I never seen the clearing of the temple as an example of clearing my heart?
Me too
Because many of us are born blind so that he power of God can be revealed by our sudden sight.
When you survey all of the ways Jesus taught it is obvious that he uses imagery all throughout His ministry. The fig tree is just one of many. People were just as puzzled by what he was saying when he was here in the same way many are puzzled today. For instance "born again" eat my flesh and drink my blood ...i am the vine you are the branches...you will bear fruit....parable of the sower...i am the door etc etc. Even today people argue about what these sayings really mean. Jesus uses teaching like this to force us to look deeper into his word and our heart to teach us.. Most of these things are understood by common sense and really focusing on and thinking about what he says throughout the Gospels.
Thank you another prayer request answered. I just didn't get it. (this parable/account)I am so glad to understand, much love brother Mike
is not the fig tree a picture of
when jesus comes back
and he sees no fruit in us
those are proff they are not his real proffesing believers
and those who have fruit when he comes back have shown evidence that they were genuine believers ?
faith- witouth works- dead
works- evidence of the faith
also the other verse about branch and vine cut of and thrown into fire
Works ultimately do nothing for us. No matter how many things we do for the Lord we will never measure up to being good enough. We are saved by grace through faith alone, now I’m not saying we should not do things for God, if you are saved you should want to go out and preach the word and perform works, just those works are not what saves us
I'd say so too
Matthew 23: 39
39 For I tell you( Israël), you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Matthew 24: 32-33
32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:
33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors
The only understanding of the fig tree was that Jesus spoke to it so we can also speak to things. I never heard anyone teach on the fig tree the way you have. Thank you for your faithfulness to teaching truth.
I'm so confused. I just watched something last night from this channel advising against memes that dishonor the Sovereinty of Christ, including many beautiful adjectives phrases to refute the irreverent practice. The topic won't be fleshed out disrespectfully (I'm certain), but the visual and the caption offend my heart for God.
Very good expositions of temple incident and meaning of the fig tree.
Thank you pastor mike, may the Lord jesus provides throughout all of your affairs so he may always find your household in the season for figs. For he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.
Are those figs in the jar behind you? 😄
They look more to me like jelly beans or gummy worms.
Linda Cowles
Yeah, looks like gummy worms lol
Never viewed the story of the fig tree like this, awesome bible study. Thank you Big Mikey ❤️🔥🙏🏼
Absolutely Holy Spirit filled and edifying Pastor, thank you Jesus for the wonderful preachers still preaching the truth.
“You ‘pitied’ the shrub, for which you didn’t work and which you didn’t raise; it grew in a night and perished in a night. 11 Yet for my part, can’t I pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than one hundred twenty thousand people who can’t tell their right hand from their left, and also many animals?”
Thank you so much for this!!! I was in a prosperity preaching church and over a year ago the Lord opened my eyes. I just watch the amaerican gospel movie and then next day the Holy Spirit put this passage of scripture on my heart and showed me how they are doing the same thing. I've also heard them talk on the fig tree using it as a name it and came it scripture and how we have the same power too. You gave me new eyes for this passage.
The mark 11 fig tree curse is simply just that...a curse from CHRIST because JESUS CHRIST ..THE MESSIAH..knew the jews ..pharisees...saducees......were denying CHRIST as the MESSIAH..THE SAVIOUR....
That was good mate. A deeper understanding. Thanks.
This was so rich. Deeper than I have ever been on this text. Thank you especially for all of the context you brought in!
[Boredly glancing at that 'guidelines' feature-put up kind of sign in front of me all while feeling with this one as if it itself has got some air of a Paranoid feel to this whole channel's/video's when it comes to places like this
....
....
before already quickly proceeding into here after that little pop-up delay of his]
Hrm. judging by that (understandable, but I just could not help it myself (for example)) thumbnail choice of yours here for example, and just surfing a bit of so far what I have only quickly red on what you wrote in this type of video's description here....
(I have no time to explain for a Longer review, of my own share for here, but I'll simply say this for now): (Don't be Blindly Offended- that Remindingly goes for All of us. Again, as Usual.-but) I don't think that He Needs the help of being 'reminded' exactly What is Good and What is *Evil* , being Told What to do and Don't do, etc when this kind of video is coming from a still, Full-on *Money* -Servant like you yourself. (which is one of His Strongest Teachings that He has left for All of us and told us to still think about and act Serious on-to Which Side All of each of us are really on exactly-and also Warns us All all about).
so. [Bluntly shrugs]
so relevant 42 on! Good, solid Preaching the Word!
When He looks for figs but just finds leaves.......I think of myself too.
Elohim bless you sir, your explanations are very clear and they live no room for doubt.
Stay safe from the fires and heat Mike! It’s getting pretty wild up here in the valley!
I've seen way too many Christians, especially on social media, try to use this passage as justification for religious violence. This passage, like the majority of the book of Mark, is about the identity and authority of Jesus, not on how we personally should act when we see injustice. A lot of people who are understandably angry about today's culture trying to stir for an uprising and theocracy. No.
Been a Christian since 5 YO, this was the first time anyone has shown me this parallelism! We appreciate your Obedience in Ministry Pastor Mike!
Just wanted to add that Jesus did this in the court of the gentiles. Since gentiles were not allowed to enter the temple, this open court was meant for any gentiles who wanted to pray to the God of the Jews.
Mark 11:17 Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”
"for all nations" - - Jesus was symbolically ensuring that gentiles could approach God.
I was a gentile and now I'm a living temple, even the Holy of Holies, because within me dwells the Holy Spirit. 😊 After 46 years I am still in awe of God's mercy and grace.
JESUS IS LORD. HE can do whatever he wants & its all purely righteous. HE knows what he's doing. We mere flawed humans. He gave us specific instructions on how WE are to behave. Like; give our troubles up to HIM. & James 1:20 says OUR anger, HUMAN anger, does not please our 3rce Holy God.
This was an amazing video...all of the Mark ones I've seen are amazing! Thank you!