(Read Mk. 11:1-50)
Introduction: In the Eleventh chapter of Mark, we see Jesus
sending the disciple to find a colt as they enter Jerusalem (vs. 1-11). This was the
fulfillment of an Old Testament prophecy! ( Zech. 9:9 - 10). After this, we see Him
speaking to and cursing the fig tree for being unproductive.(vs. 12-14). This should
be a warn9ng to us to be productive in setting about doing the Lord's work.
He comes to Jerusalem and enters the Temple (Vs. 15-19) and finds people doing business in the temple. He drives them out, and tells them of their misuse!
Later the tree is noticed again by Peter and he comments that it is the same tree that
Jesus had condemned earlier. (vs. 20f). Jesus' reply is interesting. He teaches about one
praying with faith --believing one will receive his petition.(vs.22-26).: "Have faith in God. "Truly I say to you, whoever says to
this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his
heart, but believes that what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him.
"Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have
received them, and they will be granted you. "Whenever you stand praying,
forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will
also forgive you your transgressions. " But if you do
not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.
Afterwards ,He is approached by chief priest and scribes and is asked by what "authority" was He acting (vs. 27-33)
Major points to note:
1. Seeking the colt (Vs. 1-11) on which Jesus was to ride into the city of Jerusalem,
fulfils prophecies of years before (Cf. Zech. 9:9). Also, the instructions that He gave
the two disciples about where the colt could be found once again demonstrates His ability
to know things that are beyond His present vision. Thus providing additional evidence of
His Divine Powers and the validity of His His credentials. It being evening,
He retires to Bethany, after entering the temple and looking around, We might
speculate that He was checking to see if the defilers of the Temple had returned.
2. Coming back the next morning, we are told that He was "hungry. Seeing a "fig
tree afar off He came to it but finds nothing "but leaves." He speaks
words saying that no man would ever eat from it hereafter. His disciples heard Him, but
evidently, didn't think too much about it at the time. However, later they passed by and
saw that the tree had wilted away (Vs. 20-21). That calls to their attention His earlier
remarks and Peter inquires about it.
3. Coming to Jerusalem and entering the Temple, viewing things going on there out of
character with the purpose of the temple, He becomes active - overthrowing "the
tables of the money changers, and the seats of those that sold doves; and would not"
allow "any man" to "carry any vessel
through the Temple." He pointed to the purpose of the Lord's "house" as
being a house of prayer, but which was being turned into a "den of thieves."
4. He taught the disciples the results of having "faith in God" when they pray
(Vs. 22-26)
5. As He enters Jerusalem, "again" and walking in the temple, He was approached
by the "chief priests, and the scribes, and elders, asking by "what
authority" He did what He was doing. He asked them a question which revealed their
lack of integrity - what was their view of John's baptism?
They showed their true character and motivation by saying they couldn't tell. Witnessing
their manifest lack of honesty, He refused to tell them the source of His authority, which
of course was the same as John's - From Heaven, Not of men! A Very significant point!
Questions:
1. Where was He when He sent "two" of His disciples to look for a colt?
2. What was the colt to be used for and was this predicted by a prophet, if so by whom?
3. Being "hungry" what did He see that He might gather fruit from, His finding
and reaction?
4. What did He find in the temple and His reaction (vs. 15-19)?
5. The next morning what was noticed about the "fig tree" (vs. 20-22)
6. What's the lesson of Jesus teaching about prayer "for whatsoever ye desire"
(vs. 22-26)
7. Where was He when he was asked "By what authority" He acted (vs 27-28)?
8. What question did Jesus ask His inquirers relative to His authority (vs 29-30)?
9. What was the reasoning behind the response His inquirers' gave (vs. 31-33)?
10. According to Jesus' answer --what two sources of "authority" are there?