Holy Week
“Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:22–24 ESV
Jesus and His disciples had returned to Bethany Monday evening. In the morning they made their way back to Jerusalem and along the way noticed the fruitless fig tree was dead, withered away.
Matthew and Mark, both tell us that Jesus took the opportunity to teach His students of the strength of faith – when its object is the Living God. Jesus doesn’t instruct us to go out and curse fruit trees. He does confirm that if what we ask is in agreement with God’s Word it will be done. Faith’s strength comes from its object. If the object of your faith is the Living God and it is His will, mountains can move. Prayer is powerful because the Living God is powerful and answers prayer.
Tuesday of Holy Week was a busy day for Jesus. He didn’t only teach His students; He also curtly corrected the religious leaders. He told a parable to the religious leaders pointing out that they were all “yes men” but in reality, didn’t do God’s will. He also taught the people.
Today let’s block out all the noise and listen to the Savior. Let’s take some time to thank Him for all that He has done to make us His children. Then God helps us to open our mouths to speak of His glory.
Take my voice and let me sing Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages from Thee.
The Lutheran Hymnal 400:3