If You Have Faith

This morning we continue in our study through the gospel according to Matthew as we consider Matthew 21:12-22. The story in our text could be grouped in three parts. There's a cleansing, a curing, and a cursing. Jesus enters the temple and drives out the sellers and buyers. He chastens and he cures the blind and the lame in the temple. Then, Jesus curses a fig tree and commends the power of prayer in faith. Jesus cleanses and cures the hearts of his people by taking the curse upon himself on the cross. Like the fig tree, Jesus withered and died, so that we who are barren and fruitless, could be renewed, cleansed, cured, and made fruitful in him. When you see Jesus cleansing the temple and overturning tables at the cost of his own life, you’ll come to him for cleansing. You'll gladly let him overthrow the corruption and barrenness in your heart, and ask for increasing faith that bears fruit. We pray that God would give us grace to marvel at the wonderful works of Jesus and be moved in wonder to praise and believe him.