Life of Christ 1
Lesson Eleven: Miracles of Judgment
A.	Jesus Is the Great Judge:
•	The two miracles studied in this lesson show that Jesus is the great judge of mankind.
There are many Scriptures that also state this clearly. 
•	(John 5:22).
•	(Acts 10:42). 
•	(Acts 17:31).
•	(II Timothy 4:1).
B.	Jesus Cursed the Barren Fig Tree:
1.	Scriptural References: Matthew 21:17-19 & Mark 11:12-14, 20-26.
       Circumstances:
•	Beside the road before them stood a fig tree conspicuous because of its abundant foliage. 
•	Jesus cursed the tree and pronounced judgment. "Let no man eat fruit from thee."
•	The next morning as they entered the city they found the fig tree withered up from the roots.
2.	Need:
The need here was for fruit. There was promise of fruit but only the promise. The tree was barren.

3.	How Was the Miracle Performed? 

•	The miracle of judgment took place simply at a simple word of Jesus.
•	The disciples may have looked for something to happen immediately. 
•	The next morning they were astonished when they saw the withered fig tree.
4.	Results and The Lesson Taught:
•	The fig tree is a type of the nation of Israel and also the lesson may apply to the church.
•	The Lord is not satisfied with just a profession - there must be fruit. 
•	The roots are the first to whither, his speaks of our prayer life. 
C. Jesus Cleansed the Temple:
1.	Scriptural References: Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-46; John 2: 13-25.
2.	Circumstances:
•	Jesus cleansed the temple on two different occasions, one at the very beginning of His ministry and again at the close of His ministry right after the triumphant entry.
•	The righteous indignation of our Lord was aroused and He declared that the house of God had become a "den of thieves."
3.	Need:
The temple had been polluted and desecrated with commercialism. The whole place was corrupt.
4.	How Was This Miracle Performed:
•	Jesus took a whip and followed by His disciples, drove out the animals through the temple door, overturning the money tables at the same time. 
•	Jesus then declared, "My house shall be called the house of prayer."

5.	 Results and The Lesson Taught:
•	This act of judgment teaches that the house of God should always be kept sanctified and holy.
•	It also teaches that there is a righteous indignation, which is proper, when it rises against wrong.
•	This is not a carnal anger
LESSON ELEVEN
SELF HELP TEST
A.	Why would we classify the cleansing of the temple as a miracle?
B.	What was the significance of the fig tree drying up at the roots?
C.  Give THREE Scriptures to show that Jesus is the Judge.
1.	
2.		
3.		
D. What coin was used by the worshippers in the temple?
E.	Why did not the priests interfere when Jesus cleansed the temple?
F.	Why did the priests permit the desecration of the temple?
G.	How many times did Jesus cleanse the temple?
H.	What lesson is taught by the cursing of the fig tree?