SCRIPTURE: MARK 11
THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY (vs. 1-11)
As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples to go to the village and bring a colt to him. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches from the fields. All shouted: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who come sin the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!. Hosanna in the highest!” (vs. 9-10) Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. Since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
JESUS CLEARS THE TEMPLE (vs. 12-19)
As they left Bethany the next day, Jesus was hungry. he saw a fig tree without fruit because it was not its season. Jesus said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (v. 14) Upon reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers ands the benches of those selling doves ands would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. Then he said: “Is it not written ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers'” (v. 17) The chief priest and the teacher of the law began looking for ways to kill him.
THE WITHERED FIG TREE (VS. 20-26)
In the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from the roots. Peter remembered and said to Jesus, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree you cursed has withered!”. Jesus answered: “have faith in God. I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘God throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (vs. 22-26)
THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS QUESTIONED (vs. 27-33)
Upon arriving again in Jerusalem, the chief priests, teachers of the law and the elders came and ask Jesus: “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you authority to do this?” (v. 28) Jesus replied: I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. Jon’s baptism – was it from heaven, for from men? Tell me!” (vs. 29-30) They discussed it among themselves and could not answer because if they said it is from heaven, they don’t believe in him. But if they say from men, they feared the people, for everyone considered John was a prophet. So they answered Jesus: “We don’t know.” (v. 32). Jesus replied: “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (v. 33)
THOUGHTS:
In ancient times, the donkey was a royal animal being ridden during the event of a coronation celebration. Jesus permitted a public demonstration in His honor by riding a donkey to fulfill the prophecy of Zech. 9:9.
The Temple was supposed to be a place of worship, but it had become a place of extortion and a barrier to Gentiles who wanted to worship. Money changers did big business by inflating exchange rates and the merchants charged exorbitant prices of animals. So Jesus got angry and drove them out. What is your real motive in going to church? Beware not to use religion to enrich yourself.
Fig tree was a popular source of inexpensive food in Israel. It requires three years from the time they are planted until they can bear fruit. Each tree yields a great amount of fruit twice a year – in the late spring and in early autumn. This incident occurred early in the spring when the leaves were beginning to bud. this fig tree were full of leaves without fruits. It looked promising but offered no fruit. Jesus’ harsh words to the fig tree was applying to the nation of Israel – fruitful in appearance only, but spiritually barren.
It would seem impossible to move a mountain into the sea. Jesus used that illustration to show that God can do the impossible. God will answer your prayers if you meet the following conditions:
- You truly believe that you can receive it.
- You must not hold a grudge against another person.
- You must forgive.
- You must bit be motivated by our own interest and desires.
- Your request must be for the interest of God’s Kingdom.
The religious leaders questioned Jesus’ authority. Their real intention was to trap Jesus. To expose their real motive, Jesus countered their question with a question about John the Baptist. Unable to answer Jesus, they have no way to question His authority.