Last week Jesus surprised us by overturning tables. This week in the Gospel of Mark he curses a fig tree. Why? It doesn't have fruit... but it's not even the season for fruit! Is Jesus being capricious or unreasonable? Next thing you know he is saying whatever you ask in prayer, it will be yours. But then he seems to obfuscate when asked direct questions by religious leaders. Unsurprisingly, this passage makes many Christians nervous. It sounds more like scrolling through social media than the One who washes feet. What do we do with this? Jesus is clearly pressing his followers, but how is this Good News? Let's talk about “Cursing, Praying, Debating” (Mark 11:12-14; 20-33).
