And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it.

Mark 11:12-25

And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” And his disciples heard it. Mark 11:14

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:12-25.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and for the first (of three) division (vv12-14):

• The title of this chapter for the commentary is "A Savior for All Nations" and the main idea is: "Jesus is a Savior for all nations, without barriers."
•  We are first warned that believers' primary mission is to share the Good News.  The commentary states as it reflects on the declining state of the American church: "...we must change, or God will judge us for neglecting and even hiding the truth that we have “a Savior for all nations!” God judged His people Israel for this sin. Why would we think He would deal with us any differently?"
• As the entirety of the text vv12-25 focuses on Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem, we are reminded that a perfect temple exists in Heaven, in (and as) Jesus, and in all believers: "[Jesus] has a spiritual temple, which is the church (1 Corinthians 3:16). He now has a personal temple scattered all around the world as a witness that He is indeed a Savior for all nations. That temple is you and me (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Indeed that temple is anyone who recognizes that they are not their own, for they were bought with a price, the precious blood of “Christ our Passover” (1 Corinthians 5:7), “a lamb without defect or blemish” (1 Peter 1:19)."  
• Jesus did not like what He saw in the temple as He entered Jerusalem.  
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Jesus Will Curse Those Who Put On a Show but Do Not Produce." 
• "[The cursing of the fig tree in v14] is (as we will see) an object lesson, an acted-out parable of our Lord’s judgment on Israel and on those who claim to be one thing but are actually another, who put on a show but do not produce. It is a curse on the temple and the nation of Israel. By application it could be a curse on you and me and on our churches."  
• "Though it is not yet “the season for figs” (v. 13), the presence of the leaves would indicate this tree would have fruit on it—if not full figs, at least paggim, small green figs (knops). Though not all that tasty, they were edible and could relieve His hunger. However, the tree bore no fruit. Its leaves promised one thing, but it had not produced. It was a hypocritical fig tree. The outward appearance, said, “Come here! I have fruit that will meet your needs.” However, when you arrive, you realize you have been deceived. It was a show with no substance."  
• Jesus saw Israel and the religious leaders when He saw the tree.  
• Once again we are exhorted to "produce fruit" lest we suffer the same fate as Israel.  
• "The prophets often spoke of Israel by the symbol of a fig tree (Jeremiah 8:13; 29:17; Hosea 9:10,16; Joel 1:7; Micah 7:1-6). Jeremiah 8:13 especially stands out[.]"  
• "There is a point without a doubt. Fruitlessness now may result in fruitlessness forever. Lose your usefulness for Jesus, and He may curse you and move on! It is not He who needs us, it is we who desperately need Him. We need Him to save us. We need Him to make us useful and fruitful."

Help me with those areas of my life where I have unbelief and have mercy on me!Indeed, Father God, continue and complete a work in me to produce fruit as You intend.  

Comment and discuss this post. 

My Prayer: Father God, You are a gracious God full of mercies that never cease and are new every morning.  You provide for all needs and You save - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.

Mark 11:12-25

Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on an unassisted review of Mark 11:12-25, which is the text for the next chapter of the commentary. Observations of the text based on the Sword Bible Study Method: 

• What do we learn from the passage about God?: V12 - we see a great example of how the Incarnate Son of God took on flesh and experience all of the humanity we experience - He is able to sympathize like no other (see also Hebrews 4:14-16).  Vv13-14 we see Jesus curse a fig tree - this is the same God who has the power to raise people from the dead so why doesn't he produce fruit from a tree even if it is not the season?  The mystery of God - He has a plan and He will reveal it to us when He is ready - see vv20-21.  In vv15-17 we see a reliance on ALL of scripture, as Jesus reaches back to the Old Testament (and new in Matthew) to ensure we see the temple and God's house appropriately.  
• What do we learn from the passage about people?: In vv15-17 people seek to use God and His house the temple for their glory and good. In v18 we see jealousy and envy on the part of the chief priests and scribes - they fear loss of their own position, status, etc. vs seeing Jesus as the Promised Messiah.    
• Is there anything from the passage God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid,Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): There should be reverent fear of God in all respects as we should not twist God into something He is not nor into something that should serve us - on the contrary we exist to bring glory to God.  Vv22-24 contains a great promise to claim on faith and prayer.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, Jesus, You are an awesome God that loves and saves!  Thank You for my salvation and for Your Word.  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

Mark 11:1-11

And he entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. And when he had looked around at everything, as it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the twelve. Mark 11:11

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:1-11.  Excerpts from the commentary's fifth (of five) division (v11):

• The title of the fifth division per the commentary is "Worship the One Who Always Acts Justly."   
• "This day ends rather uneventfully. Tomorrow will be a different day (11:12-25). Jesus enters Jerusalem, goes to the temple, looks things over carefully, sees that it is “late” (late for the temple?), and leaves with the disciples for Bethany."  
• It appears that Jesus is no longer impressed with the temple as He might have been when He first saw the temple at 12 years old (see Luke 2:41-52).  "No, He makes a commanding survey of the situation and goes away to return the next day. Then He will curse something—the temple—that should have been bringing the nations to God (Mark 11:17) but in reality was driving them away."  
• "It would seem that this would have been the moment for Him to claim and receive His Messianic throne and kingdom. Amazingly, not one thing happens. The enthusiastic crowds have mysteriously vanished. Was He only “King for a day”? Jesus, with no fanfare whatsoever, leaves with the Twelve."  
• Mark 1 is linked to prophecy from Malachi 3:1-2 as the commentary shares from Malachi how "[t]he refining fire has arrived to purify that which is putrid. The cleansing lye has arrived to cleanse that which is filthy. He will start His work with the temple. He will finish His work on the cross. He acts justly when He judges. He is so worthy of our worship!"   
• The commentary shares a table below comparing the first coming of Jesus to the second.  

 

• "Few bowed before the great King the first time He came. However, every knee will bow when He comes again (Philippians 2:9-11)."

Indeed the portrait of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem humbly on a donkey compared to how He will arrive at the second coming is quite a contrast.  Jesus as the servant King is not something that humanity can understand without supernatural intervention - that of the Holy Spirit who intervenes to incline ears and soften hearts to hear, understand, and see the majesty of Jesus and what He did for us.  While still an enemy and hostile to Him (see Romans 5:10), Jesus willingly laid down His life, enduring unimaginable suffering and pain, so that we could be freed from slavery to sin now and for eternity.  Thank You Jesus!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God that reigns.  I KNOW what You did for me and I eagerly await when You come again to reign in the New Jerusalem.  You give me salvation to be in attendance for this reign and You free from the bondage of sin now...giving the Holy Spirit also.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.   Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And those who went before 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!”

Mark 11:1-11

And those who went before 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!” Mark 11:9-10

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:1-11.  Excerpts from the commentary's fourth (of five) division (vv9-10):

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "Worship the One Who Alone Can Save."   
• The author of my commentary, Danny Akin, marvels at the shouts of those seeing Jesus enter Jerusalem.  He writes in the commentary: "I am fascinated by the shouts of the crowd. Their words could not be truer, but they could not have been more misunderstood by those who were shouting them. Only Jesus knew the full significance of what they were saying. “Hosanna” means literally, “Save, I pray.” It draws from Psalm 118:25-26 (from the Egyptian Hallels; Psalms 113–118) which says, “Lord, save us! Lord, please grant us success! He who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed. From the house of the Lord we bless you.” Passover celebrated the Hebrew people’s deliverance out of Egypt. Now the nation of Israel anticipates a messianic liberation and deliverance from Rome." 
• "'Blessed' draws from Numbers 6:24-27 which says, “May Yahweh bless you and protect you; may Yahweh make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; may Yahweh look with favor on you and give you peace. In this way they will pronounce My name over the Israelites, and I will bless them.” The One who is blessed, or better, who will be the blesser, is (1) He who comes in the name of the Lord, and (2) He who is 'bringing the coming kingdom of David!'"  
• The commentary emphasizes the following text and how Jesus' fulfills prophecy: 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 9:1-7, Isaiah 11:1-10, Jeremiah 23:5-8, Ezekiel 34:23-24, Micah 5:2-4.  At the same time, the commentary notes how "prophecy was not being fulfilled in the way they thought, hoped, and believed it would be. They are right. He is their King. But He is not here to purge Israel of foreign domination. No, He is here to purge His people of their sin! They are looking and longing for a temporal, political, and military Savior. He, however, is bringing what only He can bring: a complete and eternal salvation of body and soul! They want and expect a Savior only for Jews, but He is a Savior for the whole world, for any and all who will believe on His Name." 
• We are referred to John 1:12, 3:16, 14:6, Acts 4:12, and 1 Timothy 2:5.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Jesus, You alone save!  And You saved me while I was still an enemy and hostile to You - I am saved not through anything I have done....thank You Jesus for my salvation.  The greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of such a gift.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields.

Mark 11:1-11

And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and he sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. Mark 11:7-8

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:1-11.  Excerpts from the commentary's third (of five) division (vv7-8):

• The title of the third division per the commentary is "Worship the One Who Embodies Humility."   
• "Coming in this way our Lord now proclaims openly what He has forbidden until this moment: I am your King! Jesus with purpose and intentionality presents Himself as the Messiah, knowing that it will provoke the Jewish leaders resulting in His crucifixion. Nevertheless, His declaration also is bathed in gracious humility.  The paradoxical kingship of Jesus shines so bright at this moment! He is royalty and deity wrapped in a single person, yet He moves forward in His declaration to be King in lowliness, weakness, and service. He does not come in pomp, but in meekness and lowliness; He comes in humility and simplicity."  
• The commentary refers us to Sinclair Ferguson's commentary on Mark which contrasts what those familiar with Rome typically see among its leaders and their grandeur, pomp and circumstance, with that of Jesus.  Jesus came as King of Kings but not as the Jews expected - in humility and not as a conquering king.

John Piper offers powerful thoughts on the subject of humility, including how knowledge puffs us up (1 Corinthians 8:1), and how we can manage and defeat pride.  Piper warns us about pride: "[p]ride is an enemy of the soul that is so insidious it will stalk you down no matter how many outward strategies you devise to avoid it."  He then offers five "weapons of humility" that he has used to fight pride.  Of course chief among any battle plan is to daily abide in Him (John 15:1-11) and to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Father God, You are an awesome God that has already defeated sin and death and You are with me always.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving that You saved me and that You never leave or forsake me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go.

Mark 11:1-11

And they told them what Jesus had said, and they let them go. Mark 11:6

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:1-11.  Excerpts from the commentary's second (of five) division (vv4-7):

• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Worship the One Who Submits to the Word of God."   
• The response in v6 leaves one to wonder whether those who saw the disciples untie and take the colt knew the prophecy and recognized Jesus at work fulfilling this prophecy... 
• The commentary first refers us to Zechariah 9:9-17; Matthew 21:4-5; John 12:14-15 where we read about the prophecy of Jesus coming on a colt and about the other gospel accounts of Jesus' riding into Jerusalem as a fulfillment of this prophecy. 
• "[Jesus riding into Jerusalem in this way] is highly symbolic in light of Old Testament prophecy, expectations, and allusions! The phrase “The Lord needs it” (Mark 11:3) uses the same phrase as in 2:25 to justify David’s eating “the sacred bread” when he and his men were hungry. David’s greater Son is here! His riding in on a donkey also is a declaration of His kingship and a fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9, as Matthew 21:4-5 and John 12:14-15 make clear."  
• "Our Lord lived His life from beginning to end in total submission to the Word of God. His life, death, and resurrection were the unfolding of the drama of redemption." 

This text, including the Zechariah prophecy, underscores the importance of reading and studying all scripture both Old and New Testament.  See also 2 Timothy 3:16.  All scripture points to Jesus - from the very beginning - see Genesis 1:2 where the Spirit of God hovers over the face of the waters - this is Jesus!  See also this post at DesiringGod.com. For a very long time, I did not read and study all books of the Bible, such as Leviticus, yet once I did and other books, I began to appreciate the full arc of the Bible, and how the redemptive story of Jesus is represented in all 66 books of the Bible. "Worship the One who submits to the Word of God" - Jesus Christ.  Indeed!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves.  You are the Alpha and Omega and You hold all things together.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  I am not deserving of my salvation, nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’”

Mark 11:1-11

If anyone says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord has need of it and will send it back here immediately.’” Mark 11:3

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Mark 11:1-11.  Excerpts from the commentary's introduction and for the first (of five) division (vv1-3):

• The title of this chapter for the commentary is "Here Comes Our King (The Triumphal Entry of Jesus)" and the main idea is: "Delight and be satisfied in the King who has come."
• Mark 11–16 record the final week of our Lord’s earthly life. Mark devotes more than one-third of his Gospel to “Passion Week.” Some have referred to Mark’s Gospel as a passion narrative with an extended introduction (Stein, Mark, 33). It will be a busy week culminating in His death on the cross and His glorious resurrection. The week begins with Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem during Passover. Traditionally we call it “the triumphal entry.” It is an unambiguous declaration of His kingship. The event is so important it is recorded in all four Gospels (Matt 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12). With His arrival the die is cast! There will be no turning back. The Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:20) will now be slain in space and time. The atonement for sin, ordained in eternity past, now becomes historical for all to behold."
• The title of the first division per the commentary is "Worship the One Who Is Always in Control." 
• "Jesus and the disciples, as they drew near to Jerusalem, came to Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Bethany was the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11:38-44). It will be the place where Jesus will stay during the final week of His life (Mark 11:11)." 
• "As the ark of the covenant needed an unyoked carrier (1 Samuel 6:7; Numbers 19:2; Deuteronomy 21:3), so the true ark of the covenant, the Lord Jesus, required an unridden animal. It is bringing the Holy One into Jerusalem. Jesus has planned everything out to the last detail and is in complete control. From the moment He enters Jerusalem, the prerogatives of deity are present. Jesus is “Lord” and Master of every detail of His divine destiny."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and who holds all the details of my life in Your hand - knowing everything about me, including my sin.  Yet, while I was still sinning, an enemy and hostile to You, You reached into the abyss and saved me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such a God.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such a sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and strength.  Please provide Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.