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The Desire of Ages
DA 580.1–582.1 • Mark 11:13-14; Matthew 21:19

“A Doomed People”

Fruit Bearing versus Empty Religious Pretension

Returning to Jerusalem the morning after the triumphal entry, Jesus hungered and approached a leafy fig tree, only to find nothing but leaves. His curse upon the barren tree stood as an acted parable of the Jewish nation—and all who maintain a pretentious outward profession without the fruits of righteousness.

pp. 580–582 · 8 paragraphs

Holy Scripture

KJV
Mark 11:13-14
13

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

Matthew 21:19
19

And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.

The Desire of Ages

• Chapter 64
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DA 580.1
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DA 580.2
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DA 581.1
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DA 582.1
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End of Day 1(DA 580.1–582.1)

Take a quiet moment to pause, pray, and meditate on these living truths.

You may engage with 3 gentle devotional review questions, record insights in your journal, or advance when ready.

Heart Reflection (Optional)

“Why did the fig tree’s prominent foliage make its barrenness a deceptive symbol of the Jewish religious leadership?”

Pretense vs Reality
Prayer & Practice (Optional)
Prayer Focus

“Heavenly Husbandman, purge us from all hypocrisy, complacency, and vain pretense. Abide in us so that we may bear much fruit to the glory of Thy holy name.”

Practical Action

Do a sincere self-inventory of your daily habits and ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, and goodness in you.

Personal prayer intention

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