Portraits of a King - A Barren Temple
After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, he observes the temple but does nothing—yet. The next day, he curses a fig tree that has no fruit, even though it is not the season for figs. Then, he enters the temple and overturns tables, condemning it as a "den of thieves." The following morning, the disciples find the fig tree withered, and Jesus teaches them about faith that moves mountains. These stories work together to highlight how religious systems can become fruitless, and Jesus’ call to a faith that is active and transformative.