Josh1Eight

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but 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 NLT) During the last week of Jesus' life He enters the capital city of Jerusalem to face his final rejection and crucifixion. On the way before He even had a chance to eat breakfast, He sees a tree with leaves but no fruit, curses it, and watches it die in front of Him.  My first thought is, "Jesus take it easy man. I know it's early in the morning and you're hungry but seriously? Why you gotta take it out on this unsuspecting tree?" And why all the hostility? This episode in Jesus' life seems very out of character compared to the meek, humble servant we're used to. Jesus doesn't come right out and answer the disciples' question (vs 19) about wh...

In Matthew 18 Jesus tackles the reality if sin from every possible angle: our sins, others' sins, sins done to us by others, and what how we should handle all of the above. "So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decisi...