This passage reveals the wonderful control of Christ who had everything in hand for His final entrance into Jerusalem (v1-3). Jesus was coming to Jerusalem to die, but through these events we see that He is in perfect control (see v5-6). His love is driving Him on to die. He was going to die as part of God’s plan and as a willing Saviour.

The welcome of the crowd is very enthusiastic (v7-8). Jesus is welcomed as the King, the son of David (v9-10)? How do we welcome Jesus?

This fig tree is symbolic (v13). It looked full of life but had no fruit. It represents those who have much outward show of religion, but no inward love and obedience to God. If we are like this, the danger is that we will receive Christ’s cursing (v14 & 20)

The incident in the temple reveals how Israel was like the fig tree (v15-17). There was a lot of activity and religious life, but leaders were only interested in making a profit.

Jesus uses the withering of the fig tree as an example of the power of faith. One of the great weaknesses of a lot of prayer is the little expectation of being answered. Jesus teaches that we should pray believing our request will be granted (v23-24).

Jesus gives an example of unanswered prayer (v25-26) due to wrong attitude towards others. The religious leaders of Jesus day would have had difficulty in their praying as they refused to submit to Christ’s authority (v27-33). There are conditions to our prayers being granted, but if we pray with a submissive attitude to Christ we can pray believing that our prayers will be answered (v24).