Mark 11: 27-33

Mark 11: 27-33

Mark gives little context for this conversation. The religious elite needed no prior discussion to prompt them to pick a fight with Jesus. They were ready to fight when Jesus came into the temple. There is behind a question in verse 28 a pompous arrogance. Jesus was unschooled by any recognized rabbi. He came as a teacher from outside of their system. They rejected anyone and everyone who came from any system other than their own. Without approved credentials they might say, "He can't be right because he speaks of his own authority."

Jesus tells them and also refused to tell them of His authority both in the same moment. His question about John's baptism was connected to John's preparation for His coming. This was Jesus’ way of saying John's baptism was from heaven and so is my authority. Jesus was ready to answer their question about authority, but only if they were honest enough to hear an honest answer. The answer of the religious elite to Jesus’ counter question indicates the condition of their hearts. Rather than explore the implication of John's baptism and Jesus’ authority, they can only think about what is the safe answer to preserve their power. Truth for them has taken a back seat to power. Meeting with God and encountering God is less important than control. Face to face with the moment of repentance they reject the opportunity. This is the unforgivable sin. At the very gates of heaven, they have chosen hell.

Professing that they did not know the answer was not enough. To say, “I don't know,” and to be satisfied is dangerous to the point of being damnable. The only time “I don't know” is the appropriate answer when it is connected to “but I want to learn”. Jesus knows their claimed ignorance is an excuse and a refusal to come out of their darkness. He will not waste His time with such a person. He will not cast His pearls before swine. When confronted with Jesus in the Scriptures what do I do? Do I close my eyes, claim ignorance and stay in ignorance or do I seek to surrender my life to Him?

"Lord, at all costs do not allow me to remain with my eyes closed. AMEN"

Mark 11:12-26

Mark 11:12-26

Every time we look at the cursing of the fig tree we get a little uneasy. It makes Jesus look harsh or petty because it wasn't the season for figs and yet he curses the fig tree. We prefer a mamby, pamby Jesus not a passionate one. The fig tree incident must be taken in the context of the clearing of the temple and Israel's rejection of the Lord. The cursing of the fig is enacted parable. A fruitless tree, fruitless temple worship, and a fruitless nation will all end up being cursed. We might put it this way, "that which is fruitless is always under a curse". The withering of the tree, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the end of temple worship are all outward indications of an already existing barrenness even if it appears to be healthy and vibrant. Barrenness does not manifest itself immediately. Sometimes the Lord postpones, in His Mercy, He delays judgment. But barrenness always brings judgment; when it comes it is often swift and complete.

The religious elite who profited by the shallow, barren faith were afraid of Jesus. The hostility of the elite and the crowds in Jerusalem were such a threat to His life that Jesus spent the night in Bethany. The religious elites were unbothered by fruitlessness or even a conspiracy to commit murder. But honest preaching bothered them. Often it bothers us too! We must not expect anything less for a fruitless Church. Churches can be fruitless for a number of reasons. Like the religious elite of Jesus day it is often about power and control. We see this is the phenomenon of “clergy killers”. Those who attack church leaders when the fear they are losing control. In churches where you find clergy killers you will find fruitlessness. When a church allows a clergy killer to have its way you will find barren fruitlessness and eventually judgment.

The next morning Jesus links faith, fulfillment of prayer and forgiveness into one teaching. Prayers that come from a fruitless person are ineffective. Not because the issue of doubt acts as a retardant, but because doubt indicates a heart issue. Unbelief questions challenge the nature and the character of God. But how do we know if we have that kind of doubt or unbelief? Our willingness to forgive is the best indicator of our heart and faith. Don’t prayer for God to do great things, or even little things, if there is un-forgiveness in the heart. To question the power and the character of God is the most grievous of moral failures. The person that is completely given over to God has confidence in His holiness and His goodness. And that is expressed in forgiveness of others.

Mark 11:1-11

Mark 11:1-11

There was an atmosphere of revolution in Jerusalem and Judea. The people waited for and wanted an earthly king to free them from the oppression of the Romans. Already terrorist groups were organized and striking out. The priests were passionate about not having a rebellion. They held positions of power and privilege and any rebellion could threaten their good living. The Pharisees for their part would only participate if they were sure that God was inspiring the rebellion and therefore would succeed. That is why they demand a sign from heaven. Everyone had an agenda for and strong opinions about the coming Messiah and His kingdom. In this context Jesus has the triumphal entry.

Jesus' divine insight directed the disciples to a colt at a certain door that is owned by one who will send it for the use of God. The phrase in verse 3 “the Lord has need of it” is provoking. The Lord, God in flesh, has a need. That expression ought to stick us in the heart. The One who created the universe is in need. What gentle condescension humbling Himself to the point He needs us. In the work of ministry the Lord has need of us.

The crowds gather around Jesus as He rides the colt into town. Some gave clothes for a saddle others paved the way with garments and others gave by covering the road with leaves and branches. All did what they could do. This throng was, no doubt, at its core Jesus’ traveling companions. Beyond this core of His supporters were pilgrims that arrived independently and there were those from the local area as well. They cried, “Hosanna.” More than a liturgical word, a catchphrase, or cliché it was a one-word prayer. They were saying, “Save us we beg.” If you wanted to start a rebellion you would have a hard time finding a better campaign slogan than the one they chanted.

Only the book of Mark reports of Jesus' return to Bethany. Israel thought they were ready. They all thought they were ready for the Messiah to come. Jesus disagreed. When Jesus looked around the temple was He on a scouting mission? That would hardly have been needed. Was He looking for Himself to get a first-hand assessment of the situation like the two who went to Sodom? No, that is not the case either. Whatever else we can learn, Jesus has perfect timing. While we always think we are ready we are almost always off in our own timing. But Jesus' timing is perfect. He looked around and left. It was a sort of living lesson. Was that anti-climatic? Perhaps. Was it disappointing? Maybe. Some may have thought that it was a missed opportunity. Whatever we may think, Jesus looked around and left, the time was not right.

"Lord, help me to understand and conform to your timing.  AMEN