I Didn’t See That Coming!

(Mark 11:12-22, Matthew 21:19 ESV)

“I didn’t see that coming!”

I’ve been over-using this phrase lately.

But a lot has been taking me by surprise.

If you’ve read my book you’ll recall I used to be intimidated by Peter. 

Now, though, I find myself connecting with him more and more.

I didn’t see that coming!

Phrase overuse, I know.

Today’s connection with Peter occurs, kind of as an aside, in part of a greater story told in both Matthew and Mark’s gospels.

Matthew relates the entire episode in a single verse. As if it happens in under a minute.

Never mentioning Peter at all.

But Mark? He offers the expanded version.

Getting into Peter’s head.

Which makes sense because, according to early church tradition, Mark knew Peter well. 

I picture Peter recalling events from his point of view.

And Mark scribbling furiously.

Let’s go with Mark’s version.

Jesus and His disciples set off for Jerusalem.

On the way Jesus curses a fig tree.

“May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”

Bear in mind this is part of a much greater story, but I want to get to what happens the next day.

As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away to its roots. 

It’s hard to miss Peter’s I-didn’t-see-that-coming exclamation.

“Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.”

As if Jesus didn’t see that coming.

How endearing.

Makes me smile laugh aloud.

Peter’s “Rabbi, look!” slows the reader.

Points to what might be missed in a rapid read.

The shift in Peter’s gaze.

From the fig tree.

To Jesus.

Inviting readers to look around and recognize God’s activity in their own midsts.

And respond in astonishment.

“Rabbi, look!”

Opening my journal I begin an astonishment list.

I figure I’ll jot down four or five entries but, to my astonishment, I finish with twenty-four.

I didn’t see that coming.

They really don’t need exclamation marks; after all they’re items on an astonishment list.

But I go back to add one to each anyway.

• An unexpected conversation yesterday!
• Your solution to my dead tree situation!

Some items warrant more than one. 

• I’m sleeping better!!
• Today being the 4th anniversary of Ron’s death I feel . . . healed!!!

Until #8.

#8 needs five.

! ! ! ! !

I really, really, really didn’t see that one coming.

More on that next time.

We aren’t told what Peter is thinking when Jesus curses the fig tree.

Perhaps he doesn’t give it much thought at all.

Until the next day.

When they pass the withered tree.

“Rabbi, look!!!”

Three exclamation marks . . . implied.

I picture Jesus grinning fondly.

Enjoying Peter’s astonishment.

No explicit question is recorded, so perhaps it’s the combination of Peter’s recognition of heaven’s activity and his response of astonishment that opens the door to conversation.

Next verse.

And Jesus answered . . .

“I didn’t see that coming,” can be just a casual remark.

But when our gaze shifts from what’s been done to who has done it, the door to conversation opens.

Sometimes there’s a greater story to be told.

As in Peter’s moment that day.

Other times Jesus may just want to remind us He’s on the job working miracles big and small in our midsts.

Because He loves us.

And our astonishment.

See you in a couple weeks.

Love,

PS Several of you asked if they videoed my teaching last week. Here’s the link if you’re interested . . .