The Triumphal Entry 1As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples 2and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and as soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone asks, ‘Why are you doing this?’ tell him, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it shortly.’” 4So they went and found the colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. They untied it, 5and some who were standing there asked, “Why are you untying the colt?” 6The disciples answered as Jesus had instructed them, and the people gave them permission. 7Then they led the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, and He sat on it. 8Many in the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut from the fields. 9The ones who went ahead and those who followed were shouting: “Hosanna!”a “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”b 10“Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!” “Hosanna in the highest!”c 11Then Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts.d He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, He went out to Bethany with the Twelve. Jesus Curses the Fig Tree 12The next day, when they had left Bethany, Jesus was hungry. 13Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, He went to see if there was any fruit on it. But when He reached it, He found nothing on it except leaves, since it was not the season for figs. 14Then He said to the tree, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again.” And His disciples heard this statement. Jesus Cleanses the Temple 15When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. 16And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’e? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’f” 18When the chief priests and scribes heard this, they looked for a way to kill Him. For they were afraid of Him, because the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching. 19And when evening came, Jesus and His disciples wentg out of the city. The Withered Fig Tree 20As they were walking back in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered from its roots. 21Peter remembered it and said, “Look, Rabbi! The fig tree You cursed has withered.” 22“Have faith in God,” Jesus said to them. 23“Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him. 24Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.h” Jesus’ Authority Challenged 27After their return to Jerusalem, Jesus was walking in the temple courts, and the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. 28“By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?” 29“I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things. 30John’s baptism—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me!” 31They deliberated among themselves what they should answer: “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will ask, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32But if we say, ‘From men’...” they were afraid of the people, for they all held that John truly was a prophet. 33So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” Footnotes: 9 a Hosanna is a transliteration of the Hebrew Hosia-na, meaning Save, we pray or Save now, which became a shout of praise; see Psalm 118:25. 9 b Psalm 118:26 10 c Or “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” See Psalm 118:25 and Psalm 148:1. 11 d Literally the temple; also in verses 15, 16, and 27 17 e Isaiah 56:7 17 f Jeremiah 7:11 19 g Literally they went; BYZ and TR He went 25 h BYZ and TR include 26But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses; see Matthew 6:15. Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub  Mark 11 Summary The Triumphal EntryVerses 1–11 – The Triumphal Entry Verses 12–14 – The Barren Fig Tree Verses 15–19 – Cleansing the Temple Verses 20–25 – Faith, Prayer, and Forgiveness Verses 27–33 – Authority Questioned Mark 11 recounts a transformative series of events beginning with Jesus' dramatic entry into Jerusalem and culminating with a profound teaching on faith and prayer. Through His actions and words in the temple, Jesus challenges the status quo and provides a compelling vision of what true worship should look like. Historical Setting: Passover Week • Passover draws pilgrims from across the Roman world; Jerusalem’s population swells several times over. • Pilgrims enter through the eastern approaches, crossing the Mount of Olives—precisely the route Jesus takes (cf. Ezekiel 11:23 for God’s glory departing eastward, now symbolically returning). Geography: Bethany, Bethphage, and the Mount of Olives • Bethany (“House of Affliction”) lies two miles east of Jerusalem, home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (John 11). • Bethphage (“House of Unripe Figs”) sits on the ridge closer to the summit. Rabbinic sources place a city boundary marker there; Jesus’ donkey request happens inside that holy radius. • Archaeology confirms first-century paths still traceable from Bethany over the crest and down toward the Golden Gate area, matching Mark’s timeline of evening returns. The Colt and Messianic Symbolism Zechariah 9:9 foretells Israel’s King coming “righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus’ careful orchestration marks a public claim to kingship while rejecting militaristic expectations—He rides a peaceful beast, not a war horse (1 Kings 1:33–35 shows Solomon entering similarly). “Hosanna” and Palm Branches “Hosanna” means “Save, we pray” (Psalm 118:25–26). Palm branches evoke victory and freedom (Leviticus 23:40; 1 Maccabees 13:51). The crowd chants Psalm 118, a Passover psalm sung by pilgrims ascending to the temple. Fig Tree Symbolism • In the prophets, Israel is often pictured as a fig tree (Jeremiah 8:13; Hosea 9:10). Leaves without figs picture outward religion without fruit. • The withering, bracketed around the temple cleansing, functions as a living parable: judgment on empty worship. • Later, Jesus urges watchfulness using a fig tree again (Mark 13:28–29). The Cleansing of the Temple • Money-changers exchanged pagan coinage for Tyrian shekels acceptable for offerings; sellers provided animals for sacrifice. Abuse and exorbitant fees had turned worship into commerce. • Jesus quotes Isaiah 56:7 (“house of prayer for all nations”) and Jeremiah 7:11 (“den of robbers”), linking present corruption to earlier warnings of temple destruction. • Archaeological digs along the southern steps have uncovered market stalls; Josephus reports bazaar activity in the Court of the Gentiles, confirming the setting. Faith That Moves Mountains • “Say to this mountain” may reference the Mount of Olives, which Zechariah 14:4 says will split when the Lord returns—an image of divine power. • Similar teaching in Matthew 17:20 connects faith to mustard-seed-sized trust; James 1:6 warns against doubting. • Prayer and forgiveness are inseparable: see Matthew 6:14–15; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13. Verse 26 and Manuscript Note Many early manuscripts omit Mark 11:26, which parallels Matthew 6:15 on forgiveness. The Berean Standard Bible places it in a footnote; the lesson remains intact in verse 25. Authority Confrontation • Priests control temple ritual; scribes guard the law; elders represent civic authority—together they form the Sanhedrin’s core. • Jesus bases His counter-question on John the Baptist, universally regarded as a prophet (Malachi 3:1). By dodging, leaders expose their fear of the crowd and unwillingness to face truth. • Exodus 4:1–9 shows God validating Moses’ authority through signs; similarly, Jesus’ miracles authenticate His mission (John 5:36). Application Threads 1. Genuine worship bears fruit—public devotion must match private obedience. 2. God’s house welcomes all peoples; barriers erected for profit or prejudice invite judgment. 3. Faith involves bold, expectant prayer yet must be coupled with a forgiving heart. 4. Spiritual authority stands or falls on alignment with God’s revealed word, not institutional power. Echoes in Later Scripture • Revelation 7:9 revisits palm branches, linking Mark 11’s hopeful crowd to the ultimate, global throng praising the Lamb. • Hebrews 10:19–22 celebrates free access to God’s presence—what the corrupted temple system had obscured. Archaeological Insight: The Royal Stoa Excavations along the Temple Mount’s southern wall uncovered Herod’s colonnade, likely the “market floor” Jesus disrupted. Coin hoards and animal bones attest to brisk trade in lambs and doves. The physical evidence aligns with Mark’s narrative and underscores the scale of His prophetic protest. Takeaway Mark 11 reveals a King who arrives humbly, judges hypocrisy, calls for faith-filled prayer, and stakes His divine authority in the heart of Israel’s religious center, setting the stage for the events of Passion Week. Connections to Additional Scriptures Zechariah 9:9Prophecy of the Messiah's entry into Jerusalem. Isaiah 56:7 God's house as a house of prayer for all nations. Matthew 7:16-20 The importance of bearing good fruit. James 5:16 The power of prayer and the importance of righteousness. Ephesians 4:32 The call to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Teaching Points The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11)Jesus enters Jerusalem on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. This event signifies His messianic authority and the coming of the Kingdom of God. The Cursing of the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-21) The fig tree, full of leaves but without fruit, symbolizes Israel's spiritual barrenness. Jesus' curse is a warning against fruitlessness in our spiritual lives. Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus drives out the money changers, declaring, My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (Mark 11:17). This act underscores the importance of pure worship and condemns the commercialization of religious practices. The Power of Faith and Prayer (Mark 11:22-25) Jesus teaches about the power of faith, stating, Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours (Mark 11:24). He emphasizes the necessity of forgiveness in prayer. Authority Questioned (Mark 11:27-33) The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority, but He responds with wisdom, highlighting their unwillingness to accept the truth. Practical Applications Examine Your FaithReflect on whether your life bears spiritual fruit. Are you living out your faith in a way that is evident to others? Prioritize True Worship Ensure that your worship is genuine and not tainted by ulterior motives or distractions. Embrace the Power of Prayer Approach God with faith and confidence, believing in His power to answer prayers. Practice Forgiveness Remember that forgiveness is a crucial component of effective prayer and a reflection of God's grace in our lives. Acknowledge Jesus' Authority Recognize and submit to the authority of Christ in every aspect of your life. People 1. JesusCentral figure in the chapter, Jesus is depicted as entering Jerusalem, cleansing the temple, and teaching. His actions and teachings are pivotal in this chapter. 2. Disciples Followers of Jesus who accompany Him throughout His ministry. In Mark 11, they are instructed by Jesus to fetch a colt for His entry into Jerusalem. 3. Two Disciples Specifically sent by Jesus to retrieve the colt. Their obedience and actions fulfill Jesus' instructions. 4. People/Crowd The general populace who spread their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting "Hosanna" as Jesus enters Jerusalem. They play a role in the triumphal entry. 5. Those who went ahead and those who followed Part of the crowd, these individuals are specifically mentioned as participating in the procession, highlighting the communal nature of the event. 6. Chief Priests Religious leaders who, along with the scribes, question Jesus' authority. They are significant figures in the religious hierarchy of the time. 7. Scribes Experts in Jewish law who, with the chief priests, challenge Jesus. Their role is crucial in the religious and legal context of the narrative. 8. Pharisees Although not explicitly named in Mark 11, they are often associated with the religious authorities who oppose Jesus, as seen in other parts of the Gospel. 9. Money Changers and Merchants Individuals conducting business in the temple, whom Jesus drives out in His act of cleansing the temple. They represent the commercialization of religious practices. 10. Blind and Lame (implied) While not directly mentioned in Mark 11, the cleansing of the temple and Jesus' teachings often involve healing and ministering to those in need, as seen in parallel accounts. Places 1. Bethphage and BethanyDescription These are two villages located near the Mount of Olives. In Mark 11:1, Jesus approaches Jerusalem and sends two of His disciples to these villages to find a colt. The mention of Bethphage and Bethany highlights the proximity to Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives, which is significant in the context of Jesus' triumphal entry. Scripture "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples" (Mark 11:1). 2. Mount of Olives Description This is a ridge located east of Jerusalem, significant in Jewish and Christian eschatology. It is the place from which Jesus begins His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Mount of Olives is often associated with important events in Jesus' ministry and is a place of prophetic significance. Scripture "As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent out two of His disciples" (Mark 11:1). 3. Jerusalem Description The central city of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. In Mark 11, Jesus enters Jerusalem in what is known as the triumphal entry, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Jerusalem is the focal point of Jesus' final week leading up to His crucifixion. Scripture "Then those who went ahead 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!' And Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts" (Mark 11:9-11). 4. Temple Courts Description The outer courts of the Temple in Jerusalem, where Jesus drives out those buying and selling. This act is a demonstration of His authority and a fulfillment of prophetic action against the corruption of worship practices. The Temple is central to Jewish religious life and is a place where Jesus teaches and performs significant acts. Scripture "Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves" (Mark 11:15). Events 1. The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11)Jesus approaches Jerusalem and instructs two of His disciples to fetch a colt. As He enters the city, people spread their cloaks and branches on the road, shouting, "Hosanna!" This fulfills the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9 about the King coming humbly on a donkey. The Greek word "Hosanna" (ὡσαννά) is a transliteration of a Hebrew expression meaning "Save, please." 2. Cursing the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14) The next day, Jesus is hungry and sees a fig tree in leaf. Finding no fruit, He curses it, saying, "May no one ever eat of your fruit again." This act symbolizes judgment on unfruitfulness, reflecting the spiritual barrenness of Israel. 3. Cleansing the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus enters the temple and drives out those buying and selling, overturning the tables of the money changers. He declares, "My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations," quoting Isaiah 56:7, and condemns them for making it "a den of robbers," referencing Jeremiah 7:11. This act demonstrates His authority and zeal for true worship. 4. The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26) The disciples notice the fig tree withered from the roots. Jesus uses this to teach about faith and prayer, emphasizing the power of belief and the necessity of forgiveness. The Greek word for "faith" (πίστις) underscores trust and confidence in God. 5. Questioning of Jesus' Authority (Mark 11:27-33) The chief priests, scribes, and elders question Jesus about His authority. He responds with a question about John the Baptist's baptism, which they cannot answer. This exchange highlights Jesus' wisdom and the leaders' unwillingness to acknowledge divine authority. Topics 1. The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11)Jesus enters Jerusalem riding on a colt, fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowd spreads cloaks and branches, shouting "Hosanna!" which is derived from the Hebrew "Hoshana," meaning "Save, please." This event marks the recognition of Jesus as the Messianic King. 2. Jesus Curses the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14) On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus curses a barren fig tree, symbolizing judgment on unfruitfulness. The Greek word "καταράομαι" (kataráomai) is used for "curse," indicating a strong pronouncement against the tree's lack of fruit. 3. Cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus drives out the money changers and merchants from the temple, declaring it a house of prayer for all nations, quoting Isaiah 56:7. The Greek term "ἱερόν" (hieron) refers to the temple complex, emphasizing the sacredness of the space. 4. The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-26) The disciples notice the withered fig tree, and Jesus teaches about faith and prayer. The Greek word "πίστις" (pistis) for "faith" underscores the necessity of trust in God. Jesus also emphasizes forgiveness, using the Greek "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi), meaning to let go or release. 5. The Authority of Jesus Questioned (Mark 11:27-33) Religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority. Jesus responds with a question about John the Baptist's baptism, highlighting their inability to recognize divine authority. The Greek "ἐξουσία" (exousia) for "authority" indicates rightful power and jurisdiction. Themes 1. The Triumphal Entry (Mark 11:1-11)This theme highlights Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9. The crowd's acclamation, "Hosanna!" (Mark 11:9), is derived from the Hebrew "Hoshana," meaning "Save, please," indicating their recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. 2. Cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19) Jesus' actions in the temple demonstrate His authority and zeal for true worship. He quotes Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11, emphasizing the temple as a "house of prayer" and condemning its misuse. The Greek term "ἱερόν" (hieron) refers to the temple complex, underscoring the widespread corruption. 3. The Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-25) The cursing of the fig tree symbolizes judgment on unfruitfulness and hypocrisy. The Greek word "πίστις" (pistis), meaning "faith," is central in Jesus' teaching on prayer and belief, as He instructs His disciples on the power of faith and forgiveness. 4. Authority Questioned (Mark 11:27-33) The religious leaders challenge Jesus' authority, reflecting their spiritual blindness and resistance to His divine mission. The Greek term "ἐξουσία" (exousia) for "authority" underscores the divine right and power Jesus possesses, which the leaders fail to recognize. Answering Tough Questions 1. Mark 11:2–6: How can we verify historically that Jesus accurately predicted the colt’s location and its willing release? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. What does Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem teach us about His view of kingship and authority? 2. How does the cursing of the fig tree relate to Jesus' message and ministry? 3. Why does Jesus react so strongly to the merchants and money changers in the temple? What does this teach us about His expectations for worship? 4. How does the lesson from the withered fig tree deepen your understanding of faith and prayer? 5. Why does Jesus refuse to directly answer the question about His authority? 6. How can we apply the lessons of faith and prayer from the withered fig tree to our own lives? 7. What does Jesus' cleansing of the temple tell us about the relationship between commerce and worship? 8. How do you see the authority of Jesus challenged in today's society? How can you defend it? 9. Can you identify any "barren fig trees" in your own life that need to be addressed? 10. How does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem inspire humility in your own life? 11. How can you keep your personal "temple" - your life, your heart - free from becoming a 'den of robbers'? 12. Why does Jesus emphasize forgiveness when teaching about prayer? 13. How does Jesus' approach to His own authority inspire you in your walk of faith? 14. What actions can you take in your life to reflect the lessons from the cleansing of the temple? 15. How can you grow your faith in God to move "mountains" in your life? 16. How do you feel when you see Jesus' righteous anger in the temple? How does this shape your understanding of God's character? 17. How can you use Jesus' teaching about faith and prayer in Mark 11 to improve your own prayer life? 18. How do you handle questions about your faith or the authority of Jesus? 19. Can you think of an instance in your life when you could have benefited from the kind of faith that Jesus describes in verses 22-24? 20. What aspects of your life might Jesus want to 'cleanse' as He did the temple, and how can you cooperate with Him in that process? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions |
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