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.
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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.
