In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. Matthew 21:18-19

How many of us are like this fig tree? Sure we look good from afar, but upon closer examination we are exposed as not bearing fruits of the spirit. I thank God that He hasn’t cursed me for being a faker.

Monday afternoon, Jesus clears out the Temple by releasing animals being sold for slaughter, and knocking over the tables of money changers yelling:

“The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer, but you have turned it into a den of thieves!” Matthew 21:13

Once the Temple is cleared, the blind and the lame enter and they are healed by Jesus. Notice, healing did not occur until the distractions of the Church were removed. What distractions/ obstacles do we need to remove before we can be truly healed? This is also a critical indictment of today’s church; all hype and no help.

Jesus continued teaching throughout the afternoon, using parables to expose the evil nature of the religious leaders. They rejected his teachings, despite seeing his miracles, because they made them look bad. We are still doing the same today.

On this Holy Monday, I think about all the ways I falsely represent God. I resolve to not ignore him so as to not condemn myself. I am thankful that God does not ignore me the way I constantly ignore Him.

Tomorrow is Super Tuesday.