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Mark 11

33 verses

TL;DR

Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, cleanses the temple, curses a barren fig tree, teaches on faith, prayer, and forgiveness, and confronts the religious leaders about His authority.

Summary

Jesus approaches Jerusalem with a symbolic act of bringing a colt, fulfilling the prophecy of a humble king. The crowds greet Him with Hosanna and spread garments and branches, marking His entry as a messianic event. He then expels merchants and moneychangers from the temple, calling it a den of thieves, and teaches about prayer, faith, and forgiveness. The next day, Jesus curses a fig tree for not bearing fruit, which later withers, illustrating the power of faith and the consequences of unbelief. He admonishes the disciples to have faith, forgive, and pray, and later challenges the chief priests, scribes, and elders about the source of His authority, ending with a dialogue that leaves them uncertain of His power.

Outline
  1. Triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the cleansing of the temple.
  2. The cursing of the fig tree and Jesus’ teaching on faith, prayer, and forgiveness.
  3. Confrontation with religious leaders over Jesus’ authority.
Themes
The Kingdom of God and messianic fulfillment.Faith, prayer, and the power of belief.Authority, judgment, and the role of the religious establishment.
Keywords
HosannaColtTempleMoneychangersFig treeFaithPrayerForgivenessAuthorityKingdom
People
JesusPeterJohn the BaptistThe TwelveDisciplesChief PriestsScribesElders
Places
JerusalemBethphageBethanyMount of OlivesTempleBethany
Things
ColtGarmentsBranchesFig treeMoneychangers’ tablesDove‑selling stallsVessels
Key Verses
  • Mark 11:1-2: Illustrates Jesus' humble entry, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.
  • Mark 11:15-18: Depicts Jesus’ cleansing of the temple and His rebuke of commerce.
  • Mark 11:21-24: The fig tree parable demonstrates the power of faith and the danger of unbelief.
  • Mark 11:29-30: Jesus challenges the authorities to question His source of authority.
Questions
  • What does the use of a colt instead of a horse symbolize in Jesus’ entry?
  • How does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple reflect His view of the temple’s purpose?
  • What is the significance of the fig tree’s failure to bear fruit at the wrong season?
  • How do the verses on faith and prayer encourage believers to pray today?
  • Why does Jesus refuse to reveal the source of His authority, and what does this imply about His relationship with the Father?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains both triumphant and judgmental moments, reflecting both joy and warning.