"THE GOSPEL OF MARK"

Chapter Eleven

Jesus started His Last Week with a triumphant entry into Jerusalem, a quick visit to the temple, returning to Bethany with the twelve (1-11). The next day returning to Jerusalem He cursed a barren fig tree (12-14), drove moneychangers from the temple, again leaving Jerusalem at evening (15-19). The third day the disciples observed the withered fig tree, and Jesus taught them the power of faith and importance of forgiving others in prayer (20-26). In the temple at Jerusalem, the chief priests, scribes, and elders challenged His authority. Jesus refused to say by what authority He did things when they refused to acknowledge the authority of John's baptism (27-33).

POINTS TO PONDER

• The significance of the triumphal entry, cursing the fig tree, cleansing the temple
• Jesus' teachings regarding faith & forgiveness in prayer, and sources of authority

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What are the main points of this chapter?
   - The triumphal entry - Mk 11:1-11
   - Jesus curses the fig tree - Mk 11:12-14
   - Jesus cleanses the temple - Mk 11:15-19
   - Jesus teaches on faith and forgiveness in prayer - Mk 11:20-26
   - Jesus' authority questioned - Mk 11:27-33
2. What did the people say when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem riding a colt? (9-10)
   - "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"
   - "Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!"
   - "Hosanna in the highest!" ("Hosanna" meant "Save!", but came to mean "Praise God!")
3. What might the cursing of the barren fig tree signify? (12-14,20)
   - The Lord's displeasure upon Israel's leaders and their coming judgment
4. Why was Jesus angry at the merchandising going on in the temple? (17)
   - God's house of prayer had been turned into a den of thieves
5. Why did the religious leaders seek to destroy Jesus? (18)
   - They feared Him because all the people were astonished at His teaching
6. What two lessons on prayer did Jesus teach in this chapter? (22-26)
   - Pray with faith in God, and with forgiveness toward others
7. Where does authority in religion come from? (29)
   - Either from heaven (i.e., the Word of God) or from men (i.e., the teachings of men)