Jesus was in the home stretch of his earthly ministry when he made his unique and triumphal entry into Jerusalem. While his arrival is the stuff of legend, it was not at all what the lead Jews expected of their long-awaited Messiah. Jesus chose to arrive on a borrowed colt, surrounded by hopeful pilgrims singing “Hosanna!” Hosanna literally means “save us now,” which was exactly what the average Hebrew hoped their Messiah would do with great expediency. Looking back, it is easy to see how Jesus could have been perceived as the “anti-Messiah” by the majority of Jews. His message of repentance and a spiritual kingdom of God was not what the Roman-oppressed Jews wanted to hear. Their ideal Messiah would be of the line of David in more than lineage; they wanted a political and military savior. The relegation of both sin and hard hearts to a new spiritual birth was not on the radar screens of the first century Hebrews. First-century Israel wanted a stone and mortar kingdom, certainly not one with a foundation of repentance and love for all people.

This was the backdrop for Mark’s account in chapter 11 of two highly peculiar days in the life of Jesus. Jesus did two un-Jesus-like things during that span that continue to puzzle biblical scholars two thousand years later. He cursed a fig tree for not producing figs even though it was not the season for figs, and had an angry outburst in the Gentile Court of the temple…

Life Lessons

There are many things to learn from this unique two-day period in the life of Jesus. Sadly, far too many sermons and lessons have focused on the anger issues and missed the vital messages that lie within the fig tree and temple stories. This is not to suggest that anger is a positive in the life of a believer. Anger is rarely displayed in edifying manners, and as James states, “man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires” (1:20). That said, however, is anger a sin? Should we feel guilty about tendencies toward anger? Is an angry person also a bad person?

If it is true that anger comes standard with humanity, then anger is something to be controlled much like other not-so-productive emotions. It is in the Christian’s best interests to seek help from God when anger becomes a control problem. Unchecked anger can lead to acts that damage relationships, break laws, and cause stress-related ailments. But, Jesus did indeed become angry and he lashed out at both the tree and those selling sacrificial items and exchanging currency in the temple. Jesus’ anger proves that anger in and of itself is not sinful. It is what becomes of the anger that determines sin. Burnt toast and underwear left on the floor are not good reasons for angry outbursts. Petty irritations have nothing to do with God’s kingdom. Jesus’ anger was all about God’s kingdom. Jesus was pronouncing judgment upon a spiritually lame and impotent Israel. There is much to be learned from his actions over those two days . . . and little of it pertains to anger.

1. Contrast differences between the Messiah-ship of Jesus and the long-awaited hopes of the Jews.

2. Why did Jesus choose an out-of-season fig tree for a lesson on fruitlessness?

3. Cite ways the church has attempted to temper the reality of Jesus’ anger….