A King's Entry, A Fig Tree, and Lessons in Faith: Exploring Mark 11

Mark 11 presents a dynamic picture of Jesus: a humble king, a righteous judge, a powerful miracle worker, and a wise teacher. He challenges us to bear fruit in our lives, to keep our places of worship pure, and to trust fully in the power of faith and prayer. He encourages us to forgive and emphasizes that true authority comes from God.

Verses 1-11: The Triumphal Entry

Jesus sends two of His disciples to find a colt for His entry into Jerusalem. As He enters the city, crowds lay their cloaks and palm branches on the road, shouting "Hosanna!" He visits the temple before retiring to Bethany with His disciples.

Verses 12-14: Cursing of the Fig Tree

The next day, Jesus curses a barren fig tree for not bearing fruit, even though it wasn't the season for figs.

Verses 15-19: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Jesus drives out those who were buying and selling in the temple, overturning the tables of the money changers and the seats of the pigeon sellers. He declares the temple a house of prayer for all nations, not a den of robbers, leaving the religious leaders plotting how they might kill Him.

Verses 20-25: The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree

Seeing the cursed fig tree withered from the roots, Jesus teaches His disciples about having faith in God, the power of prayer, and the necessity of forgiveness.

Verses 27-33: The Authority of Jesus Questioned

The chief priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus' authority, to which He responds with a question about John the Baptist's baptism. When they can't answer, Jesus refrains from telling them by what authority He does these things.

Mark 11 recounts a transformative series of events beginning with Jesus' dramatic entry into Jerusalem and culminating with a profound teaching on faith and prayer. Through His actions and words in the temple, Jesus challenges the status quo and provides a compelling vision of what true worship should look like.

Kingship and Humility
Righteous Anger and Judgment
Faith and Prayer
Authority and QuestioningThe Triumphal Entry
Cursing of the Fig Tree
Jesus Cleanses the Temple
The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree
The Authority of Jesus QuestionedJesus
The Disciples
People in Jerusalem
Money Changers and Merchants in the Temple
Chief Priests, Scribes, and EldersBethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives
Jerusalem
The Temple

1. What does Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem teach us about His view of kingship and authority?

2. How does the cursing of the fig tree relate to Jesus' message and ministry?

3. Why does Jesus react so strongly to the merchants and money changers in the temple? What does this teach us about His expectations for worship?

4. How does the lesson from the withered fig tree deepen your understanding of faith and prayer?

5. Why does Jesus refuse to directly answer the question about His authority?

6. How can we apply the lessons of faith and prayer from the withered fig tree to our own lives?

7. What does Jesus' cleansing of the temple tell us about the relationship between commerce and worship?

8. How do you see the authority of Jesus challenged in today's society? How can you defend it?

9. Can you identify any "barren fig trees" in your own life that need to be addressed?

10. How does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem inspire humility in your own life?

11. How can you keep your personal "temple" - your life, your heart - free from becoming a 'den of robbers'?

12. Why does Jesus emphasize forgiveness when teaching about prayer?

13. How does Jesus' approach to His own authority inspire you in your walk of faith?

14. What actions can you take in your life to reflect the lessons from the cleansing of the temple?

15. How can you grow your faith in God to move "mountains" in your life?

16. How do you feel when you see Jesus' righteous anger in the temple? How does this shape your understanding of God's character?

17. How can you use Jesus' teaching about faith and prayer in Mark 11 to improve your own prayer life?

18. How do you handle questions about your faith or the authority of Jesus?

19. Can you think of an instance in your life when you could have benefited from the kind of faith that Jesus describes in verses 22-24?

20. What aspects of your life might Jesus want to 'cleanse' as He did the temple, and how can you cooperate with Him in that process?