Matthew 21:18-32
Saturday, 5 June 2021
The disciples saw this and were astounded. "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?" they asked. (Matthew 21:20)
The demonstration and display of God’s supreme wisdom and authority are often beyond human comprehension – sometimes even hard to understand. After spending years and countless numbers of hours with the Lord, seeing many miracles, Jesus’ disciples could not understand how the fig tree dried up so quickly— all because the human mind is limited and can never comprehend fully, the wisdom of God.
The Lord who made himself man to dwell among his people tried to show his disciples how he feels when expecting to see something, and saw the contrary. The authority displayed towards the fig tree which did not bear fruit at the time when Jesus expected, was a clear message to the disciples about His reaction towards unproductivity. His response to the astounded disciples tells us that God will answer to human need- with a condition, “if you believe and do not doubt.” (vs.21). Jesus said, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”(V.22) In this God has shown how caring and capable He is to respond to human need, unfolding to us His supreme authority and wisdom.
The chief priest and elders were also shocked to see the display of the Lord’s authority and were left with no other option than to ask him the following question; "What right do you have to do these things? Who gave you such right?" How interesting it is to hear the voice of humanity- asking his Maker about rights!!! How foolish!
The Master full of authority, wisdom and revelation, which could not waste time with anything unproductive, asked the priest and elders just one question that confused the very fiber of their beings! Though they knew the answer, they resolved in their minds not to believe and uphold the truth of the Lord’s wisdom and authority. The Lord knowing full well what was in their hearts and minds, made it clear to them by His words of wisdom that the tax collectors and prostitute will enter the Kingdom while they (chief priest and elders) who pretend to know more and are highly connected to the Father, will not. The so called “pious” people will not enter God’s Kingdom since they refused to submit to the Lord, and carry out the Master’s will on earth. Those who refused at first, but submit to the Master’s will, made it into His kingdom.
Our Lord and Master has done everything possible to put on display the supreme authority of his wisdom unto humanity. Ever since God created the world, His invisible qualities, both His eternal power and His divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So we are without excuse. (Romans 1:20). Colossians 1:15 tells us that Christ is the visible likeness of the invisible God; He is the first born Son, superior to all created things. By the supreme authority of His wisdom, He gives us a clear picture of who GOD Almighty is! We should in no way suppose that His nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by human skill. The display of His supreme wisdom and authority tells us that He is GOD and He alone is worthy to be praised and adored!
Prayer: Lord Almighty, help me to be attentive to Your voice and be willing to submit to Your supreme authority and wisdom in my life. Amen.