Jesus’ Power Is Available to Us

I have a couple of friends who are rather unique individuals.  One has amazing physical strength. The other is an expert martial arts instructor. In addition to their physical skills both men share another characteristic. You would never know by looking at them how powerful they are. Neither are overly muscular or fit the stereotype of the powerful person they are. You can’t tell how powerful a person is by looking at him. You can by what he does. This was true of Jesus.

[Tweet “Jesus displayed His power in cursing the fig tree so we would know what is possible for us.”]

On Monday morning of Holy Week, after spending Sunday night in Bethany, Jesus returned to Jerusalem. On the way He showed His disciples and us His great power. Let’s look at Matthew 21:18-22.

In the morning, as he was returning to the city, he became hungry. And seeing a fig tree by the wayside, he went to it and found nothing on it but only leaves. And he said to it, “May no fruit ever come from you again!” And the fig tree withered at once. Matthew 21:18-19

If you and I were there, we would have probably reacted just like the disciples.

When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How did the fig tree wither at once?”

The disciples had been with Jesus for three and a half years but they’d never seen this! Jesus spoke and the tree began to wither! Even in our modern day we have no technology that can cause a fully grown fig tree to wither instantly.

Jesus knew that in a matter of days He would no longer be with His disciples and He wanted to teach them (and you and me) a lesson about His power as King. In the next few verses Jesus explained why He did this.

And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.”

[Tweet “All God’s children have access to Jesus’ power to do marvelous things for God!”]

The disciples would face many challenging days ahead. There would be many times of doubt when their faith would waver. Jesus wanted them to see what was possible. God’s power has no limits.

Do you have faith in God’s power to accomplish what you need? Or are you limiting God? Is anything too hard for God Jeremiah 32:27?

What do you need from God today, finances, health, wisdom, relational healing? Whatever it is, God is able.

Today, remember the withered fig tree and say a prayer in faith. Don’t limit your faith or God!

What have you learned about faith that has helped you in your walk with God? Please leave a comment or question below.