Jesus rebukes a barren fig tree. Drives the merchants out of the temple. Teaches the people. Returns to Bethany.
Next day, the Monday of the week, the master with the twelve, went to Jerusalem.
2 And as they passed along the way they saw a fig tree full of leaves without a sign of fruit.
3 And Jesus spoke unto the tree; he said, You useless cumberer of the ground; you fig tree fair to look upon, but a delusive thing.
4 You take from earth and air the food that fruitful trees should have.
5 Go back to earth and be yourself the food for other trees to eat.
6 When Jesus had thus spoken to the tree he went his way.
7 And when he reached the temple, lo, the rooms were filled with petty merchants selling doves and animals, and other things, for sacrifice; the temple was a mart of trade.
8 And Jesus was indignant at the sight, and said, You men of Israel, for shame! This is supposed to be the house of prayer; but it is now a den of thieves. Remove this plunder from this holy place.
9 The merchants only laughed and said, We are protected in our trade by those who bear the rule; we will not go.