Here is the conclusion of our time at the Garden.
o Then
we had a brief study of “the fig tree,” a topic that had come up a couple of
times on our trip together. In Jesus’
three references to the “fig tree” He uses it symbolically of Israel.
§ Mark
11:12-14: Jesus cursed a fig tree that did not bear fruit at a time when it was
not the season for fruit. We noted that
in this incident we have the two great aspects that we struggle to put
together: the culpability of Israel to bear fruit to God’s glory, and the plan
of God to use Israel’s rejection to bring salvation to the nations.
§ Mark
11:20;24: When they returned the next day, the disciples noted the tree had
already withered. Jesus used this to
teach His disciples about “faith.” What
did this have to do with faith? If the
tree speaks of Israel, Jesus is saying that Israel will wither. The withered tree will never be able
to bear fruit. But wait!
§ Lev.
26:44 and many other places in the OT and in Romans 11 and Heb. 6: what about
God’s promise that He would never cast away Israel? That is Jesus’ teaching about faith. We often get hung up on moving a mountain
with faith. I have heard and read teaching on this,
but none of the teachers I have ever heard or read claimed to have the faith to
move an actual mountain. The context of
the “fig tree” tells me Jesus is encouraging His disciples, and us, about the
faithfulness of God to Israel. The tree
is withered but it will some day bear fruit for God’s glory. How?
§ Ezek.
37:1-14: It will take a resurrection! To
speak of this at the Garden Tomb is special.
Christ was resurrected. Because
He is the “firstfruit” we also will be raised.
But also, Israel will be resurrected.
That is the point of the “valley of dry bones.” A day will come, and it has not yet come,
when Israel will be resurrected. As God
told Ezekiel, it will require the preaching of the gospel and the New Covenant,
the indwelling of the Holy Spirit so that Israel will have the true life of
Christ.
§ Mark
13:28-31: That is why Jesus, later in the Passion Week, would tell His disciples
that a time would come when there would begin to be leaves on the tree. We want to encourage you with this truth as
well. God is faithful and will keep His word. “Heaven and earth will pass away but My word
will not pass away.”
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| Early 1900s photo of Skull Hill area used by guide |
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| Our guide at the Garden |
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| Several precious friends at the Garden including John and Ruth |
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| Our group coming from the tomb |
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| One final adventure for our granddaughter (rt) and her friend; they got stuck on the elevator as they were departing the hotel for the airport |
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