That feels harsh. Why curse a tree that wasn’t even supposed to have fruit yet?

Then Jesus went to the temple. And there, He flipped tables, stopped people from passing through the courts, and quoted Isaiah:

“My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations… but you have made it a den of robbers.”

The next morning, they saw the fig tree again—withered from the roots.

These two moments—Jesus cursing the fig tree and cleansing the temple—are deeply connected.

The fig tree had leaves but no fruit—it looked alive, but it was empty.

The temple had activity but no prayer—it looked holy, but it had lost its purpose.

Jesus was making a prophetic point:

It’s no longer the season for this kind of fruit.

The old system had run its course. The temple, as the center of God’s presence and forgiveness, was being replaced by something better—by Someone better.

The people expected a Messiah who would restore the temple and overthrow their enemies.

But Jesus came to end the temple system… and to forgive enemies.

He wasn’t failing them—He was fulfilling God’s deeper plan.

But to see it, they’d have to let go of their expectations.

That’s how seasons work.

God sometimes ends things we thought would last forever—not because He’s cruel, but because He’s doing something new.

Maybe you’ve felt this. A role, a rhythm, a relationship that once gave life… now feels hollow.

What if that’s not failure?

What if that’s God preparing you for a new orchard?

New seasons require new expectations.

Jesus is still turning over tables and looking for fruit—not in temples, but in us.

Mindfulness Moment:

Take a deep breath.

Is there something in your life that was fruitful once… but now feels empty?

Hold it gently in your mind.

Now open your hands—literally or symbolically—and ask:

“God, is it time to let this go?”

Sit with that question in quiet for just 30 seconds.

Maybe consider sharing about this time with a trusted friend.

May the God of every season guide you and your community through this season, and through every season you face together.