Tree And Temple — Or Temple And Tree?
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesA querist asks, “In Matthew 21:12-22 We see Jesus cleanse the temple (Matthew 21:12-13) and then leave the city (Matthew 21:17) and then curse the fig tree (Matthew 21:19). In Mark 11:12-18, we see Jesus curse the fig tree (Mark 11:13-14) and enter the city (Mark 11:15) and cleanse the temple (Mark 11:15-16).
These two accounts do not bear the same order. A careful reading will show that the events are spoken in a manner that indicates continuity within each gospel. The problem is in bringing the two accounts together. Does anyone know an answer to this? I have heard some attempts at reconciling this and to be frank they ‘made the tear worse’ for me.”
May I invite you to click on this link. Please look at Item number 45 and 46. The analysis there should give you the answer you are seeking.
The differences found between the accounts of Matthew and Mark concerning the fig tree have much to do with the order both Matthew and Mark used in arranging their material. When we study the narrative technique of Matthew in general, we find that he sometimes arranges his material in a topical order rather than in the strictly chronological order that is more often characteristic of Mark and Luke.