Mark 11

Jesus Enters Jerusalem

1 As they all approached Jerusalem, they came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent out two of his disciples.

2 He said to them, "Go to the village ahead of you. Just as you enter it, you will find a donkey's colt tied there. No one has ever ridden it. Untie it and bring it here.

3 Someone may ask you, 'Why are you doing this?' If so, say, 'The Lord needs it. But he will send it back here soon.' "

4 So they left. They found a colt out in the street. It was tied at a doorway. They untied it.

5 Some people standing there asked, "What are you doing? Why are you untying that colt?"

6 They answered as Jesus had told them to. So the people let them go.

7 They brought the colt to Jesus. They threw their coats over it. Then he sat on it.

8 Many people spread their coats on the road. Others spread branches they had cut in the fields.

9 Those in front and those in back shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" (Psalm 118:25,26)

10 "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!"

11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything. But it was already late. So he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

Jesus Clears the Temple

12 The next day as Jesus and his disciples were leaving Bethany, they were hungry.

13 Not too far away, he saw a fig tree. It was covered with leaves. He went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves. It was not the season for figs.

14 Then Jesus said to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" And his disciples heard him say it.

15 When Jesus reached Jerusalem, he entered the temple area. He began chasing out those who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of the people who were exchanging money. He also turned over the benches of those who were selling doves.

16 He would not allow anyone to carry items for sale through the temple courtyards.

17 Then he taught them. He told them, "It is written that the Lord said, " 'My house will be called a house where people from all nations can pray.' (Isaiah 56:7) But you have made it a 'den for robbers.' "(Jeremiah 7:11)

18 The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard about this. They began looking for a way to kill Jesus. They were afraid of him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.

19 When evening came, Jesus and his disciples left the city.

The Dried-up Fig Tree

20 In the morning as Jesus and his disciples walked along, they saw the fig tree. It was dried up all the way down to the roots.

21 Peter remembered. He said to Jesus, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree you put a curse on has dried up!"

22 "Have faith in God," Jesus said.

23 "What I'm about to tell you is true. Suppose one of you says to this mountain, 'Go and throw yourself into the sea.' You must not doubt in your heart. You must believe that what you say will happen. Then it will be done for you.

24 "So I tell you, when you pray for something, believe that you have already received it. Then it will be yours.

25 And when you stand praying, forgive anyone you have anything against. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your sins."

The Authority of Jesus Is Questioned

27 Jesus and his disciples arrived again in Jerusalem. He was walking in the temple courtyards. Then the chief priests came to him. The teachers of the law and the elders came too.

28 "By what authority are you doing these things?" they asked. "Who gave you authority to do this?"

29 Jesus replied, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.

30 Was John's baptism from heaven? Or did it come from men? Tell me!"

31 They talked to each other about it. They said, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will ask, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'

32 But what if we say, 'From men'?" They were afraid of the people. Everyone believed that John really was a prophet.

33 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said, "Then I won't tell you by what authority I am doing these things either."

Mark 11 Commentary

Chapter 11

Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. (1-11) The barren fig-tree cursed, The temple cleansed. (12-18) Prayer in faith. (19-26) The priests and elders questioned concerning John the Baptist. (27-33)

Verses 1-11 Christ's coming into Jerusalem thus remarkably, shows that he was not afraid of the power and malice of his enemies. This would encourage his disciples who were full of fear. Also, that he was not disquieted at the thoughts of his approaching sufferings. But all marked his humiliation; and these matters teach us not to mind high things, but to condescend to those of low estate. How ill it becomes Christians to take state, when Christ was so far from claiming it! They welcomed his person; Blessed is he that cometh, the "He that should come," so often promised, so long expected; he comes in the name of the Lord. Let him have our best affections; he is a blessed Saviour, and brings blessings to us, and blessed be He that sent him. Praises be to our God, who is in the highest heavens, over all, God blessed for ever.

Verses 12-18 Christ looked to find some fruit, for the time of gathering figs, though it was near, was not yet come; but he found none. He made this fig-tree an example, not to the trees, but to the men of that generation. It was a figure of the doom upon the Jewish church, to which he came seeking fruit, but found none. Christ went to the temple, and began to reform the abuses in its courts, to show that when the Redeemer came to Zion, it was to turn away ungodliness from Jacob. The scribes and the chief priests sought, not how they might make their peace with him, but how they might destroy him. A desperate attempt, which they could not but fear was fighting against God.

Verses 19-26 The disciples could not think why that fig-tree should so soon wither away; but all wither who reject Christ; it represented the state of the Jewish church. We should rest in no religion that does not make us fruitful in good works. Christ taught them from hence to pray in faith. It may be applied to that mighty faith with which all true Christians are endued, and which does wonders in spiritual things. It justifies us, and so removes mountains of guilt, never to rise up in judgment against us. It purifies the heart, and so removes mountains of corruption, and makes them plain before the grace of God. One great errand to the throne of grace is to pray for the pardon of our sins; and care about this ought to be our daily concern.

Verses 27-33 Our Saviour shows how near akin his doctrine and baptism were to those of John; they had the same design and tendency, to bring in the gospel kingdom. These elders did not deserve to be taught; for it was plain that they contended not for truth, but victory: nor did he need to tell them; for the works he did, told them plainly he had authority from God; since no man could do the miracles which he did, unless God were with him.