Mark 11:12-26
In this week’s reading of the Gospel of Mark, Mark 11:12-26 combines a powerful lesson on the nature of faith and the consequences of fruitlessness with a call to pure, sincere worship and a reminder of the importance of discipleship. Here are the key points of this passage:
1. The Cursing of the Fig Tree (Mark 11:12-14):
Setting: Jesus and His disciples are on their way from Bethany.
Hunger: Jesus is hungry and sees a fig tree in the distance with leaves.
No Fruit: Despite the leaves, the tree has no fruit because it is not the season for figs.
Cursing the Tree: Jesus curses the fig tree, saying, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." The disciples hear this, and it serves as a symbolic act.
2. The Cleansing of the Temple (Mark 11:15-19):
Arrival in Jerusalem: Jesus enters the temple in Jerusalem.
Driving Out the Merchants: He sees people buying and selling, and He drives them out, overturning the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves.
Teaching: Jesus declares that the temple is meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, but they have turned it into a "den of robbers."
Reaction: The chief priests and teachers of the law begin looking for a way to kill Jesus because they fear Him, as the crowd is amazed by His teaching.
3. The Withered Fig Tree (Mark 11:20-21):
The Next Morning: As they pass by the fig tree the next morning, the disciples see that it has withered from the roots.
Peter’s Observation: Peter points out the withered tree to Jesus, reminding Him of the curse He had placed on it.
4. Teaching on Faith and Prayer (Mark 11:22-26):
Have Faith in God: Jesus uses the withered fig tree as a lesson on the power of faith. He tells His disciples that if they have faith and do not doubt, they can command a mountain to be thrown into the sea, and it will happen.
Prayer: Jesus emphasizes the importance of prayer, saying that whatever they ask for in prayer, they should believe that they have received it, and it will be theirs.
Forgiveness: He also teaches about the necessity of forgiveness when praying, explaining that they should forgive others so that their Father in heaven may forgive their sins.
A fruit tree that produces not fruit exist without full purpose, the same can be said for disciples that do not disciple. Many of us believe that being a disciple of Jesus Christ is to simply follow and obey the teachings of Jesus Christ. This is only a partial fulfillment of our purpose. To be a disciple not only must we live by the Word of Jesus Christ but also produce new disciples. The fruit of a fruit tree is the product of the tree fulfilling it purpose, it is how new fruit trees will come about. A fruit tree that builds roots, structure, and leaves for living is of course a tree but if it produces no fruit, it will be the last. If we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, spend our lives living by His Word, we will indeed be true disciples, but we will be the last unless we actively go out and make new disciples. What have you done to make new disciples? What can you be doing?
In God’s grip,
Pastor Chuck Church
If you are reading the Gospel of Mark with Pastor Chuck this year, below is a short and simple guide to doing so for this week:
Prayer: Heavenly Father, your words expose my innermost thoughts and desires. I am an open book before you when I read your book. May your truths work as I read of your holiness, truth, and love. May the power of your word be known in my life so that I might genuinely have the abundant life you came to give. Amen.
Read: Mark 11:12-26
Questions to guide your thinking:
What does the cursing of the fig tree teach me about the importance of bearing spiritual fruit in my own life?
How does Jesus' cleansing of the temple challenge my understanding of worship and the way I approach God's presence?
In what areas of my life do I need to exercise greater faith, believing that God can accomplish what seems impossible?
Am I harboring any unforgiveness in my heart that might be hindering my prayers and relationship with God?
How can I actively participate in making new disciples, ensuring that the message of Jesus continues to spread?
