Well, hey there, tiny theologians. It's your old pal farmer Caroline here. I've been out in the orchard this morning checking on my fig trees, one of my favorite fruits to grow.

And let me tell you, today's symbol is near and dear to this farmer's heart.

You'll see what I mean.

Go ahead and find the fig leaf on your He Is Risen banner and pull out today's card.

When you've got it, say it with me.

Got it!

Good!

Now, before we jump in, let's remember what we talked about yesterday.

That dove reminded us how Jesus cleared out the temple and made it a holy place again,

showing that God's presence is meant to be

honored. But today's story, oh, it's a little surprising. Let's read what Jesus did in Mark 11,

12 through 14. The next day, as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus was hungry.

Seeing in the distance of fig tree and leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit.

When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.

Then he said to the tree,

may no one ever eat fruit from you again,

and his disciples heard him say it.

Now, I can guess what you might be thinking.

Jesus got mad at a tree?

But listen close, my friends.

Jesus wasn't just hungry for fruit.

He was teaching his disciples something important.

...