12. Jesus entered the temple area. He began chasing out all those who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of the people who were exchanging money. He also turned over the benches of those who were selling doves.
13. He said to them, "It is written that the Lord said, 'My house will be called a house where people can pray.' (Isaiah 56:7) But you are making it a 'den for robbers.' " (Jeremiah 7:11)
14. Blind people and those who were disabled came to Jesus at the temple. There he healed them.
15. The chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did. They also saw the children in the temple area shouting, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" But when they saw all of this, they became angry.
16. "Do you hear what these children are saying?" they asked him. "Yes," replied Jesus. "Haven't you ever read about it in Scripture? It says, " 'You have made sure that children and infants praise you.' " (Psalm 8:2)
17. Then Jesus left the people and went out of the city to Bethany. He spent the night there.
18. Early in the morning, Jesus was on his way back to Jerusalem. He was hungry.
19. He saw a fig tree by the road. He went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Right away the tree dried up.
20. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree dry up so quickly?" they asked.
21. Jesus replied, "What I'm about to tell you is true. You must have faith and not doubt. Then you can do what was done to the fig tree. And you can say to this mountain, 'Go and throw yourself into the sea.' It will be done.
22. If you believe, you will receive what you ask for when you pray."
23. Jesus entered the temple courtyard. While he was teaching there, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him. "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "Who gave you this authority?"