Mark 11
Mark 11 begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem (verses 1–11). It then connects to the scene where he curses the fig tree (verses 12–14) and the event of cleansing the temple (verses 15–19). The next day, there is a conversation between Jesus and his disciples about the withered fig tree (verses 20–26). Finally, the chief priests and scribes ask Jesus questions about his authority (verses 27–33). Through this structure, you can glimpse challenges regarding Jesus’ messianic authority, the importance of faith and prayer, and what true faith looks like.
1verseWhen they came near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples
2verseand said to them, “Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie him and bring him.
3verseIf anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs him;’ and immediately he will send him back here.”
4verseThey went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied him.
5verseSome of those who stood there asked them, “What are you doing, untying the young donkey?”
6verseThey said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go.
7verseThey brought the young donkey to Jesus and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it.
8verseMany spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees and spreading them on the road.
9verseThose who went in front and those who followed cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!
10verseBlessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”
11verseJesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When he had looked around at everything, it being now evening, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.
12verseThe next day, when they had come out from Bethany, he was hungry.
13verseSeeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.
14verseJesus told it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” and his disciples heard it.
15verseThey came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers’ tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.
16verseHe would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple.
17verseHe taught, saying to them, “Isn’t it written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers!”
18verseThe chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy him. For they feared him, because all the multitude was astonished at his teaching.
19verseWhen evening came, he went out of the city.
20verseAs they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.
21versePeter, remembering, said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away.”
22verseJesus answered them, “Have faith in God.
23verseFor most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening, he shall have whatever he says.
24verseTherefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.
25verseWhenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.
26verseBut if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.”
27verseThey came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to him,
28verseand they began saying to him, “By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?”
29verseJesus said to them, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
30verseThe baptism of John—was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.”
31verseThey reasoned with themselves, saying, “If we should say, ‘From heaven;’ he will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’
32verseIf we should say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all held John to really be a prophet.
33verseThey answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
The Triumphal Entry and the Symbol of the Messiah
The event of Jesus entering Jerusalem riding a young donkey is an important symbol showing the fulfillment of the prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. A large crowd welcomed Jesus by laying their clothes and palm branches on the road and shouting “Hosanna.” This reveals that Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, the Messiah. However, this scene is soon followed by the cleansing of Jerusalem and the temple, showing that it does not end with mere celebration.
The Message of the Fig Tree and the Temple Cleansing
The event where Jesus curses a fig tree that has leaves but no fruit symbolizes Israel’s people and the temple—having the outward form of faith but failing to bear fruit. In the event of cleansing the temple, Jesus says that the “house of prayer for all nations” has become a hideout for merchants, urging a return to true worship and prayer, as well as the restoration of a proper relationship with God.
Teaching About Faith and Prayer
To the disciples who saw the withered fig tree, Jesus speaks about the power of faith and prayer. He emphasizes the importance of faith that can move mountains, fervent prayer, and a willingness to forgive one another. This reminds us that, rather than miracles or outward phenomena, trust in God and the relationship of forgiveness are core elements of faith.
A Question About Jesus’ Authority
In the scene where the chief priests and scribes question Jesus’ authority, Jesus exposes the dual nature of their intentions and questions. This shows the limits of an attitude that is bound only to form and tradition, without a deep understanding of the essence of faith and God’s plan.
Meditation Points
- Am I not just staying with the outward appearance of faith?
- Am I actually practicing a life of faith, prayer, and forgiveness?
- Is Jesus renewing my life, just as he rebuilt the temple?
Applying It to Me
- I should accept Jesus as my true King and entrust the sovereignty of my life to him.
- In my relationship with God, I will commit myself to pursuing whole-hearted faith and the heart of forgiveness rather than outward forms.
- I also resolve to work so that true worship, prayer, and loving acceptance of one another will come alive in the community I belong to.