◄ Mark 11 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Triumphal Entry 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. Teaching Points The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11) Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. This event signifies His messianic authority and the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Cursing of the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21) The fig tree, full of leaves but without fruit, symbolizes Israel's spiritual barrenness. Jesus' curse is a warning against fruitlessness in our spiritual lives. Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus drives out the money changers, declaring, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11:17). This act underscores the importance of pure worship and condemns the commercialization of religious practices. The Power of Faith and Prayer (Mark 11:22-25) Jesus teaches about the power of faith, stating, Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24). He emphasizes the necessity of forgiveness in prayer. Authority Questioned (Mark 11:27-33) The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority, but He responds with wisdom, highlighting their unwillingness to accept the truth. Practical Applications Examine Your Faith Reflect on whether your life bears spiritual fruit. Are you living out your faith in a way that is evident to others? Prioritize True Worship Ensure that your worship is genuine and not tainted by ulterior motives or distractions. Embrace the Power of Prayer Approach God with faith and confidence, believing in His power to answer prayers. Practice Forgiveness Remember that forgiveness is a crucial component of effective prayer and a reflection of God's grace in our lives. Acknowledge Jesus' Authority Recognize and submit to the authority of Christ in every aspect of your life. People 1. Jesus Central figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as entering Jerusalem, cleansing the temple, and teaching. His actions and teachings are pivotal in this chapter. 2. Disciples Followers of Jesus who accompany Him throughout His ministry. In Mark 11, they are instructed by Jesus to fetch a colt for His entry into Jerusalem. 3. Two Disciples Specifically sent by Jesus to retrieve the colt. Their obedience and actions fulfill Jesus' instructions. 4. People/Crowd The general populace who spread their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting "Hosanna" as Jesus enters Jerusalem. They play a role in the triumphal entry. 5. Those who went ahead and those who followed Part of the crowd, these individuals are specifically mentioned as participating in the procession, highlighting the communal nature of the event. 6. Chief Priests Religious leaders who, along with the scribes, question Jesus' authority. They are significant figures in the religious hierarchy of the time. 7. Scribes Experts in Jewish law who, with the chief priests, challenge Jesus. Their role is crucial in the religious and legal context of the narrative. 8. Pharisees Although not explicitly named in Mark 11, they are often associated with the religious authorities who oppose Jesus, as seen in other parts of the Gospel. 9. Money Changers and Merchants Individuals conducting business in the temple, whom Jesus drives out in His act of cleansing the temple. They represent the commercialization of religious practices. 10. Blind and Lame (implied) While not directly mentioned in Mark 11, the cleansing of the temple and Jesus' teachings often involve healing and ministering to those in need, as seen in parallel accounts. Places 1. Bethphage and Bethany Description These are two villages located near the Mount of Olives. In Mark 11:1, Jesus approaches Jerusalem and sends two of His disciples to these villages to find a colt. The mention of Bethphage and Bethany highlights the proximity to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, which is significant in the context of Jesus' triumphal entry. Scripture "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples" (Mark 11:1). 2. Mount of Olives Description This is a ridge located east of Jerusalem, significant in Jewish and Christian eschatology. It is the place from which Jesus begins His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives is often associated with important events in Jesus' ministry and is a place of prophetic significance. Scripture "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples" (Mark 11:1). 3. Jerusalem Description The central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. In Mark 11, Jesus enters Jerusalem in what is known as the triumphal entry, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Jerusalem is the focal point of Jesus' final week leading up to His crucifixion. Scripture "Then those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: 'Hosanna!' 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!' 'Hosanna in the highest!' And Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts" (Mark 11:9-11). 4. Temple Courts Description The outer courts of the Temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus drives out those buying and selling. This act is a demonstration of His authority and a fulfillment of prophetic action against the corruption of worship practices. The Temple is central to Jewish religious life and is a place where Jesus teaches and performs significant acts. Scripture "Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves" (Mark 11:15). Events 1. The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11) Jesus approaches Jerusalem and instructs two of His disciples to fetch a colt. As He enters the city, people spread their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting, "Hosanna!" This fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 about the King coming humbly on a donkey. The Greek word "Hosanna" (ὡσαννά) is a transliteration of a Hebrew expression meaning "Save, please." 2. Cursing the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14) The next day, Jesus is hungry and sees a fig tree in leaf. Finding no fruit, He curses it, saying, "May no one ever eat of your fruit again." This act symbolizes judgment on unfruitfulness, reflecting the spiritual barrenness of Israel. 3. Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus enters the temple and drives out those buying and selling, overturning the tables of the money changers. He declares, "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations," quoting Isaiah 56:7, and condemns them for making it "a den of robbers," referencing Jeremiah 7:11. This act demonstrates His authority and zeal for true worship. 4. The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26) The disciples notice the fig tree withered from the roots. Jesus uses this to teach about faith and prayer, emphasizing the power of belief and the necessity of forgiveness. The Greek word for "faith" (πίστις) underscores trust and confidence in God. 5. Questioning of Jesus' Authority (Mark 11:27-33) The chief priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus about His authority. He responds with a question about John the Baptist's baptism, which they cannot answer. This exchange highlights Jesus' wisdom and the leaders' unwillingness to acknowledge divine authority. Connections to Additional Scriptures Zechariah 9:9 Prophecy of the Messiah's entry into Jerusalem. Isaiah 56:7 God's house as a house of prayer for all nations. Matthew 7:16-20 The importance of bearing good fruit. James 5:16 The power of prayer and the importance of righteousness. Ephesians 4:32 The call to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that bears spiritual fruit and reflects the character of Christ. Ask God to purify your worship and remove any distractions or impurities. Seek God's strength to have faith in His promises and to pray with confidence. Request the grace to forgive others, just as you have been forgiven. Pray for a deeper understanding and acceptance of Jesus' authority in your life. As we study Mark 11, let us be challenged to live out our faith with authenticity, to worship God in spirit and truth, and to trust in the power of prayer. May our lives be a testament to the authority and love of Jesus Christ. Bible Study Questions 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? Topics 1. The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11) Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd spreads cloaks and branches, shouting "Hosanna!" which is derived from the Hebrew "Hoshana," meaning "Save, please." This event marks the recognition of Jesus as the Messianic King. 2. Jesus Curses the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14) On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus curses a barren fig tree, symbolizing judgment on unfruitfulness. The Greek word "καταράομαι" (kataráomai) is used for "curse," indicating a strong pronouncement against the tree's lack of fruit. 3. Cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus drives out the money changers and merchants from the temple, declaring it a house of prayer for all nations, quoting Isaiah 56:7. The Greek term "ἱερόν" (hieron) refers to the temple complex, emphasizing the sacredness of the space. 4. The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26) The disciples notice the withered fig tree, and Jesus teaches about faith and prayer. The Greek word "πίστις" (pistis) for "faith" underscores the necessity of trust in God. Jesus also emphasizes forgiveness, using the Greek "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi), meaning to let go or release. 5. The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Mark 11:27-33) Religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist's baptism, highlighting their inability to recognize divine authority. The Greek "ἐξουσία" (exousia) for "authority" indicates rightful power and jurisdiction. Themes 1. The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11) This theme highlights Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The crowd's acclamation, "Hosanna!" (Mark 11:9), is derived from the Hebrew "Hoshana," meaning "Save, please," indicating their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. 2. Cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus' actions in the temple demonstrate His authority and zeal for true worship. He quotes Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, emphasizing the temple as a "house of prayer" and condemning its misuse. The Greek term "ἱερόν" (hieron) refers to the temple complex, underscoring the widespread corruption. 3. The Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25) The cursing of the fig tree symbolizes judgment on unfruitfulness and hypocrisy. The Greek word "πίστις" (pistis), meaning "faith," is central in Jesus' teaching on prayer and belief, as He instructs His disciples on the power of faith and forgiveness. 4. Authority Questioned (Mark 11:27-33) The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority, reflecting their spiritual blindness and resistance to His divine mission. The Greek term "ἐξουσία" (exousia) for "authority" underscores the divine right and power Jesus possesses, which the leaders fail to recognize. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions