Spiritual Ponderings

As they were passing by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots up. (Mark 11:20) Many have wondered about this story where it seems clear that Jesus explicitly caused a death, at least the death of a tree. While Jesus never even came close to causing death to a living being, this incident was so unlike the life-giving Jesus that His disciples were caught by surprise when they saw the dramatic effect that just His words had on the tree in a very short time. What was going on there? Clearly Jesus was not just miffed by a tree that didn't have fruit when it had the appearance that it might. He knew it was not the season for figs, yet He examined the tree looking for fruit anyway. I am told that fig trees do have fruit when their foliage is full, unlike most other fruit trees. I don't know myself for I have never been around a fig tree, but evidently something much more profound is going on in this story besides just a pretentious tre...

Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. (John 14:12) For many years I puzzled over the meaning of these words of Jesus. How could it be realistically possible for anyone to be able to do 'greater works' than Jesus Himself? I know, the most common explanation given for this is to interpret it to mean a greater volume of works done collectively through the body of Christ. And while Jesus could possibly have had that in mind, it just doesn't satisfy me. As I was reading through a story found in Luke 8 this morning I suddenly realized that what was described there perfectly matches this reference to 'greater works' Jesus spoke of. And in this story it literally describes a greater quality and effectiveness of work, not so much a greater quantity. Is it true? Absolutely, and with rather clear reasons as to why as I am st...