A WITHERING RELIGION.
Matthew 21:12-22.
Today’s passage brings together two events which are not unrelated to each other: the cleansing of the Temple, and the withering of the fig tree. Both are figurative of the state and changing status of the old Jewish faith at the dawn of the gospel era. Judgment begins, and must begin, and will begin at the house of God (1 Peter 4:17; cf. Revelation 2:5; Revelation 3:3).
In a deliberate act of providence (cf. Matthew 21:1-3), Jesus had entered Jerusalem in a manner which perfectly fulfilled Zechariah 9:9. This was the ‘triumphant entry’ of Jesus into Jerusalem - upon a humble beast of burden. The city was abuzz with anticipation.
It was Passover, and the city of Jerusalem was packed with pilgrims who had gathered to commemorate Israel’s deliverance out of slavery in Egypt. Not only was it a solemn religious celebration, but also a great national statement that defied all who would dare to oppress them in the future. No doubt tensions were high, and Roman soldiers mingled with the crowds around the great concourse of the Temple (roughly equivalent to the cloisters of a Western Cathedral).
Entering the Temple, Jesus found those who were selling sheep and oxen, and doves. Money-changers sat at tables exchanging foreign currencies for the Temple shekel. All this took place in the court of the Gentiles, thereby denying the nations a place to draw aside from the hubbub of their busy lives!
This was all taking place with the evident collusion of the priesthood. After all, (they probably reasoned) did not the people require animals for sacrifices, and money for the Temple tax? Jesus was disgusted to find such trading in His Father’s house, and He reacted accordingly.
If people had expected Jesus to come like Judas Maccabeus of old to purge the Jerusalem Temple of GENTILE pollution, they were sadly mistaken. What Jesus did do was to purge the ‘court of the Gentiles’ WITHIN the Jerusalem Temple of (presumably Jewish) sellers and buyers and money-changers (Matthew 21:12). According to Jesus, these were collectively changing God’s “house of prayer” (which was meant ‘for all nations’ cf. Isaiah 56:7; Mark 11:17) into a “den of thieves” (Matthew 21:13; cf. Jeremiah 7:11).
It is curious that no-one seems to have resisted Jesus - perhaps the traders were only too well aware of their guilt. The Romans, no doubt, stood aloof, probably also briefed in the desirability of thus keeping the peace. The blind and the lame felt at liberty to come to Jesus there, and He healed them (Matthew 21:14).
The only grumble of complaint seems to have been from the custodians of the Temple, “the chief priests and scribes.” No doubt jealous at “the things that He had done”, and irritated by the noisy children still shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David” IN THE TEMPLE (Matthew 21:15), these complained: “Do you not hear what they are saying?” Jesus pointed them to their own psalm book: “Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings you have perfected praise’?” (Matthew 21:16; cf. Psalm 8:2).
His work for the day completed, Jesus withdrew, and lodged with his friends in Bethany (Matthew 21:17).
As we see Jesus approaching the fig tree the next morning (Matthew 21:18-19), we need to recollect that Jesus is God. The fig tree is a well-known symbol of Israel: ‘every man under his vine and his fig tree’ (cf. Micah 4:4). But what when the fig tree is barren? (cf. Micah 7:1).
In another place, Jesus reinforced His teaching on the need for repentance with a parable, giving us the God’s-eye view (cf. Luke 13:6-7). An unproductive fig tree is nothing better than an encumbrance on the land, drawing essential nutrients out of the soil but giving nothing back. The cry that goes out against the fig tree - ‘Cut it down’ (cf. Luke 13:7) - stands as a solemn warning against those who still refuse to repent.
A barren fig tree speaks of nominal religion. Where God finds nominal religion, His word is, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again” (Matthew 21:19). If Israel refuses her own Messiah, then, as John the Baptist said, ‘The axe is laid to the root of the tree’ (cf. Matthew 3:10).
This is also true of churches, denominations, and professing Christians. If there is no fruit, then we will not last. How soon they wither away (Matthew 21:20).
Finally, Jesus uses the fulfilment of His words against the fig tree as an indication of the power of believing prayer (Matthew 21:21-22). What we ask in faith, believing, we shall receive (cf. Matthew 7:7; James 5:17-18). Even to the uprooting of mountains (cf. Matthew 17:20)!
