Summary
Mark 11:1–11 – Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
What happens:
Jesus sends two disciples into a village to fetch a colt. They bring the colt to him, lay cloaks on it, and he rides into Jerusalem. Crowds spread cloaks and leafy branches on the road, shouting “Hosanna” and calling him the coming King. He enters the temple courts, looks around, and then leaves for the evening.
What it means:
Jesus fulfills messianic prophecy by entering Jerusalem as a humble king. The crowds’ praises acknowledge his authority, even if they do not yet grasp the nature of his kingdom. His quiet inspection of the temple shows his abiding concern for true worship.
Mark 11:12–14, 20–25 – Cursing of the Fig Tree and Teaching on Faith
What happens:
The next morning, Jesus is hungry and sees a leafy fig tree but finds no fruit. He curses it, and it withers. Later, his disciples notice the tree has died. Jesus uses the moment to teach them about faith, saying that if they believe without doubt, they can command a mountain to move. He adds that when they pray, they must forgive others so that their own sins may be forgiven.
What it means:
The barren fig tree represents religious appearance without true fruitfulness. Jesus warns that faith without action is worthless. His teaching links the power of prayer to a forgiving heart, underscoring that relationship with God requires both trust and mercy.
Mark 11:15–19 – Cleansing of the Temple
What happens:
Jesus enters the temple and begins driving out merchants and money changers. He overturns tables and benches, preventing anyone from carrying merchandise through the courts. He teaches that the temple is meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, but they have turned it into a den of thieves. By evening, he and his disciples leave the city.
What it means:
Jesus confronts corrupt practices that exploit worshippers. His actions restore the temple’s intended purpose as a place of sincere devotion and justice. He asserts his authority over religious institutions and calls people back to authentic worship.
Mark 11:27–33 – Question About Authority
What happens:
As Jesus walks in the temple courts, the chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders ask him by what authority he acts. Jesus counters with a question about John the Baptist’s authority, asking whether it was divine or human. They cannot answer, so Jesus declines to tell them by what authority he does these things.
What it means:
Jesus exposes the leaders’ unwillingness to acknowledge divine authority. His refusal to answer highlights their hypocrisy and fear of public opinion. True authority comes from God, and those who reject God’s messenger cannot stand to recognize his Son.
Application
- Honor Jesus as the promised King by offering genuine worship rather than mere ceremony
- Examine your life for outward religiosity without inward fruit and pursue true spiritual growth
- Approach God in prayer with unwavering faith, believing you will receive what you ask
- Practice forgiveness toward others to maintain a right relationship with God
- Respect and submit to Jesus’ authority over both personal faith and communal worship
