Great and Holy Monday commemorates three significant events that took place during Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem from Bethany: the cursing of the fig tree, the questioning of Jesus’ authority, and the Temple Cleansing. In the early part of that day we see the fig tree that Jesus cursed had died and the Lord was able to explain the power of faith that was available to the disciples. It is written in *Mark 11:20 Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.* Throughout this day the events of the Lord Jesus were detailed and very descriptive about the teachings and parables being about the kingdom of God. He used different images and words but are all about two general ideas: God will offer the kingdom to unexpected people, and when the kingdom of God arrives in full there will be judgment. The Lord Jesus explained in parables that the leaders were the “evil farm tenants” that he mentioned in the parable of the wicked vinedressers. The religious leaders had been concerned about Jesus before this, but His actions on Great and Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday clinched it: they wanted him dead. That explains what is written in *Matthew 21:45 Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitudes, because they took Him for a prophet.* One of the most impactful activities of that day was the clearing of the temple. Jesus criticized the leaders who allowed and promoted the activity happening in the temple that compromised His Father’s house. His teachings rebuked the religious leaders overtly (particularly by telling people to watch out for corrupt leaders), and by telling a parable meant to criticize them. Jesus’ response was simple and to the point about His importance and the lack of theirs as seen written in *Mark 11:10 Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 11 This was the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes?”* Great and Holy Monday commemorates Jesus’s life, faith, and the events leading up to his death and eventual resurrection. Great and Holy Monday set up the events which happened on Maundy Thursday of washing of the feet, the last supper and communion. The events of this day should remind us to keep our places of worship sacred and to stand up for what’s right even if it goes against authority, just like Jesus did. It’s a reminder to focus on personal spiritual growth and a commitment to living according to Jesus’ teachings, fostering a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit to the glory of God. (((This one is  in video version on YouTube at PastorDblog as well as on Tiktok at pastord.blog))) In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

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