Book & Chapter
Version

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

Bible

1And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples,

2And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring him.

3And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither.

4And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him.

5And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt?

6And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go.

7And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him.

8And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord:

10Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.

11And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

12And on the morrow, when they were come from Bethany, he was hungry:

13And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.

14And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it.

15And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves;

16And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple.

17And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves.

18And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine.

19And when even was come, he went out of the city.

20And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

22And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.

23For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

26But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.

27And they come again to Jerusalem: and as he was walking in the temple, there come to him the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders,

28And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?

29And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.

31And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?

32But if we shall say, Of men; they feared the people: for all men counted John, that he was a prophet indeed.

33And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Take Versely with you

Queue devotion plans, track progress, and unlock audio guides inside the Versely app.