Mark 11

V 1–6: READY A colt is waiting, ready to be released to two of Christ’s disciples in order that the Lord may ride it into Jerusalem. V 7–10: RESPONSE The crowds, who do not understand the true meaning of Christ’s ministry yet, acclaim Him as the coming Messiah with ‘Hosanna’. Sadly, their cry will change shortly. V 11: REVIEW As a prelude to its later purging, Jesus goes to the temple and surveys it. He leaves for Bethany with the disciples. V 12–14: REBUKE Jesus rebukes a fig tree with a curse and, in the hearing of the disciples, says that no one will eat fruit from it again. V 15–19: RIGHTEOUSNESS Having reviewed the temple earlier, Jesus goes to it and turns out all those who are abusing it for the sake of commerce. The scribes and the chief priests fear Him and discuss how they can have Him killed. He leaves the city in the evening. V 20–26: RESULT The next day the disciples notice that the cursed fig tree is already withered from the roots. Jesus tells them that if they have faith, God can answer their faith in the same amazing way. He then emphasises that they must forgive people before their prayers can be heard. V 27–33: REASON When questioned about His authority, Jesus reasons by drawing a parallel from John the Baptist. The chief priests, scribes and elders attempt to embarrass him, but find that by His questioning them, the tables are turned. They will not reply whether John’s baptism was from God or from man. Jesus also refuses to answer their question on authority, knowing that they already know the answer and reject it.