Mar 11 | MHM | STEP | Christ's Entrance into Jerusalem This passage describes Jesus’ public entry into Jerusalem just days before his crucifixion. His entrance was both humble and triumphant, showing his courage in the face of danger and his fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus came openly, not hiding from his enemies, and was welcomed with joy by the people. This event also revealed his authority and the spiritual nature of his kingdom. v. 1–3 : As Jesus approached Jerusalem, he sent two disciples to fetch a colt from a nearby village. He told them exactly where to find it and what to say if anyone questioned them. This showed Jesus’ divine knowledge and authority. He demonstrated that he is in control of all things, even as he prepared to face suffering (Mark 11:1-3 ).

‏ Mark 11

Christ's Entrance into Jerusalem

This passage describes Jesus’ public entry into Jerusalem just days before his crucifixion. His entrance was both humble and triumphant, showing his courage in the face of danger and his fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus came openly, not hiding from his enemies, and was welcomed with joy by the people. This event also revealed his authority and the spiritual nature of his kingdom.

v. 1–3: As Jesus approached Jerusalem, he sent two disciples to fetch a colt from a nearby village. He told them exactly where to find it and what to say if anyone questioned them. This showed Jesus’ divine knowledge and authority. He demonstrated that he is in control of all things, even as he prepared to face suffering (Mark 11:1-3 ^a).

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v. 4–7: The disciples found the colt as Jesus had said and brought it to him. They placed their garments on the colt, and Jesus sat on it. This colt, which had never been ridden, symbolized humility and peace. Jesus’ choice to ride a borrowed colt instead of a warhorse reflected his mission as a humble Savior, not a conquering king (Mark 11:4-7 ^b).

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v. 8: Many people spread their garments and leafy branches on the road as Jesus rode into the city. This was a sign of honor and celebration, similar to how people welcomed kings. Even though the scene was simple, it was filled with meaning, showing Jesus’ humility and the people’s recognition of him as the Messiah (Mark 11:8 ^c).

v. 9–10: The crowd shouted, Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David! They praised Jesus as the one who came to fulfill God’s promises to David and bring salvation. Their cries of Hosanna expressed both joy and a plea for deliverance. This moment revealed Jesus as the long-awaited King, though his kingdom was not of this world (Mark 11:9-10 ^d).

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v. 11: Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything but did not act immediately. Instead, he left for Bethany to spend the night. This shows Jesus’ patience and deliberate approach. He observed the state of the temple and prepared to address its corruption the next day (Mark 11:11 ^e). Even when God delays action, we can trust that he sees everything and will act at the right time.

The Barren Fig-Tree Cursed

In this section, we see two main events. First, Jesus curses a fig-tree that has no fruit, even though it has leaves. This is a symbol of the Jewish people who were not producing the fruits God wanted. Second, Jesus goes to the temple and cleans it by driving out the people who were buying and selling there. He wants the temple to be a holy place of prayer for all nations, not a market. The leaders of the Jewish people get angry with him but are also afraid of his power. Later, Jesus teaches his disciples about faith and praying with forgiveness, using the withered fig-tree as an example.

v. 12: Jesus was hungry because he had not eaten breakfast. He went from Bethany to Jerusalem early in the morning to do God's work. On the way, he saw a fig-tree with many green leaves, so he hoped to find some fruit to eat. But he found no figs on it, even though it was near the time for figs to be gathered. The tree had leaves but no fruit, which showed it was fruitless.

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v. 14: Jesus cursed the fig-tree, saying no one should eat fruit from it again. This was a sign or example for the people of that time, showing that God was unhappy with their lack of good works. The fig-tree's fruit and sweetness represent the good that the Jewish church should have produced, but it did not. This curse showed that they would be judged and become "good for nothing."

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v. 16: After cursing the fig-tree, Jesus went to the temple in Jerusalem. He drove out the people who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold doves. Jesus did this with authority because the temple was God's house, not a market. This shows that God's house should be pure and holy.

v. 17: Jesus stopped anyone from carrying goods through the temple courts because it was disrespectful. The temple was meant to be a house of prayer for all nations, not a place for business or a shortcut for carrying things. Making the temple a market was wrong and turned it into a "den of thieves."

v. 18: The Jewish leaders were very angry with Jesus because he challenged their authority and the way they treated the temple. They feared that Jesus might take away their power. Although they hated Jesus, they were also afraid of him because many people admired his teachings. They started planning how to destroy him.

v. 19: In the evening, Jesus left the city and went back to Bethany. It was probably dark, so they could not see the fig-tree clearly.

v. 20: The next morning, as they passed by, the disciples saw that the fig-tree had dried up from the roots. Jesus' curse had power, and the tree was completely withered. This showed the serious consequences of being fruitless in God's eyes.

v. 21: Peter was surprised and reminded Jesus that the fig-tree he cursed had dried up. This showed that Jesus' words were powerful and effective. The fig-tree symbolized the Jewish church, which was now like a dry tree, no longer useful except for burning.

v. 22: Jesus told his disciples to have faith in God. He said that if they truly believed and did not doubt, they could do great things, like telling a mountain to move and it would happen. This shows the power of faith in God.

v. 23-24: Jesus explained that when you pray, you must believe that you will receive what you ask for. Faith is very powerful and can overcome great difficulties. This kind of faith can work miracles and help in spiritual matters, like removing guilt and purifying the heart.

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v. 25-26: Jesus added that when you pray, you must forgive anyone who has wronged you. If you do not forgive others, God will not forgive your sins. Forgiveness is necessary to have a good relationship with God and to have your prayers answered. When praying, we should remember to love and forgive others sincerely.

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The Pharisees Nonplussed

This section describes how the religious leaders questioned Jesus about his authority. They wanted to trap Jesus with their questions because they did not want to believe his teaching. Jesus answered them with wisdom, showing their own lack of honesty and exposing their motives.

v. 27: Jesus was walking and teaching in the temple. The leaders of the Jews, called the Sanhedrin, came to him. They wanted to test him in front of the people. They asked, “By what authority do you do these things?” (Mark 11:28 ^f). They hoped to prove that Jesus did not have the right or permission to teach or act as he did. The leaders thought if Jesus could not show a legal or official calling, the people should not listen to him.

v. 28: The leaders believed only those sent and approved by them could teach. They were not interested in the truth but in keeping their power. They thought, “How can men preach except they be sent?” (Jeremiah 23:32 ^g). This is an important question for anyone in a position of leadership or teaching. People need to know they are truly called to their work.

v. 29–30: Jesus answered their question with another question. He asked about John the Baptist: “Was the baptism of John from heaven or from men?” (Mark 11:30 ^h). Jesus did this because his own authority was very similar to John’s. Both were sent by God for the same purpose, to prepare for God’s kingdom. The leaders themselves had already sent people to question John (John 1:19 ⁱ).

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v. 31–32: The leaders realized they could not answer honestly. If they said John’s authority was from God, Jesus would ask why they did not believe John or receive his baptism. If they said John’s authority was from people, they would make the crowd angry because everyone believed John was a true prophet. The leaders cared more about their reputation with the people than about the truth. They were afraid of the crowd because all the people respected John.

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v. 33: Because they could not decide what to say, the leaders answered, “We do not know.” Jesus then refused to answer their original question. He said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Jesus showed that their question was not sincere, and that his works and miracles already proved his authority from God. If the leaders waited a few more days, Jesus’ resurrection would show everyone that he was truly the Son of God, even though the leaders themselves would reject him.