1. The temple and fig tree (11-14)

Jesus entered the city like a king coming to be enthroned. But he did not go to the palace; he went to the temple. He looked around and left. He did not like what he saw. The next day, on his way back, he encountered a beautiful and promising fig tree. But when he inspected it closely, he found no fruit. He took away forever the tree's privilege of bearing fruit. The fruitless fig tree is a vivid parable of God's disappointment at the fruitlessness of a prayerless people.

2. A house of prayer or a den of robbers (15-19)

Jesus went back to the temple and cleared out all the business activities. When the place of prayer becomes a place of business, the soul of the nation is very sick. God is concerned about all nations, so his house must be a place of prayer for all nations.

Application: Lord, help me to pray with an uncluttered heart and mind. Help us to be a church that prays and works for the evangelization of all nations.
One Word: Be fruitful and stay alive