Matthew 21:12-22

12Jesus then went into the yard of the temple. People were buying and selling things there. Jesus made them all leave that place. He pushed over the tables of the men who changed coins. He also pushed over the seats of the men who sold birds.

13Jesus spoke to them all. He said, ‘The Bible says, “God's house will be a place where people come together to pray.” But you have changed it into a place where robbers meet.’

14Blind people went to meet Jesus in the yard of the temple. People who could not walk very well also went there. Jesus caused them all to become well.

15The leaders of the priests and teachers of God's Law saw all the powerful things that Jesus did. They also saw children in the yard of the temple who were shouting, ‘Welcome! We pray that God will be good to you, Son of David!’ All these things caused the important Jews to become very angry.

16They asked Jesus, ‘Can you hear what these children are saying?’ Jesus replied, ‘Yes, I can hear them. I am sure that you have read this in the Bible: “Lord God, babies and children praise you. You yourself have taught them to do that.” ’

17Then Jesus left everyone and he went out of Jerusalem. He stayed that night in Bethany, a village near the city.

18On the next day, early in the morning, Jesus left Bethany to return to Jerusalem. On the way there, he was hungry.

19He saw a fig tree near to the road. He went to see if it had fruit on it. But there were only leaves on the tree, and no fruit. Jesus said to the tree, ‘No fruit will ever grow on you again!’ Then, immediately, the tree became dry and it died.

20The disciples saw it happen and they were very surprised. And they asked Jesus, ‘How did the tree die so quickly?’

21Jesus said to them, ‘I tell you this: You must believe in God. You must not have other ideas in your mind. If you believe in God, then you could also do the same thing to this fig tree. You could even say to this mountain, “Move away and throw yourself into the sea!” Then it would really happen.

22So when you pray to ask God for something, believe in him. Then God will give you whatever you ask for.’