Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
I’m moving this weekend so may not get back here for a few days. But feel free to chat without me!
I’m moving this weekend so may not get back here for a few days. But feel free to chat without me!
Only two thirds through the book of Mark and we are up to the last week of Jesus’ life on earth already.
Strange incident with the fig tree – it was the wrong time for figs – any thoughts?
Only two thirds through the book of Mark and we are up to the last week of Jesus’ life on earth already.
Strange incident with the fig tree – it was the wrong time for figs – any thoughts?
The colt … I guess I had never thought about the person the colt belonged to. It was tied at a door … who’s door … all the disciples had to say was “the Lord has need of the colt” and it was given to them as if it was waiting to go with them all along. And then the people seeing Jesus on a young colt … picture it … a grown man on a colt …. does this bring any visions of regality to your mind? Are colts strong enough to be carrying grown men around?
Doesn’t it sort of bring to mind those guys who ride those tiny mini motorcycles?
They began to shout Hosannah, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Blessed is the coming of the kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the Highest” … they had never done this before when Jesus entered a city or town … what moved them that day … it makes me think that the Lord is able to move anyone of us at any time to do as He pleases to fulfil his will … He did say that He could make the rocks shout out and praise Him as well …. Hmmmm
I’m wondering if the fig tree was supposed to respond as the people just had and the owner of the colt and the colt just had … I guess these things seem unfair but I think He was letting everyone know who He was … in charge of everyone and everything… the creator of all and this is the reason He tells us don’t be afraid of what man can do to you … be afraid of what God can do. So choose who you will please man or God …
LOL I remember speaking to my children in the same way … I can hear myself now … “you think you’ll be in trouble with so and so for doing what’s right … if you don’t do what’s right you’ll have much more trouble here at home with me. So choose who you are going to please” … LOLOLOL
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
The colt … I guess I had never thought about the person the colt belonged to. It was tied at a door … who’s door … all the disciples had to say was “the Lord has need of the colt” and it was given to them as if it was waiting to go with them all along. And then the people seeing Jesus on a young colt … picture it … a grown man on a colt …. does this bring any visions of regality to your mind? Are colts strong enough to be carrying grown men around?
Doesn’t it sort of bring to mind those guys who ride those tiny mini motorcycles?
They began to shout Hosannah, Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Blessed is the coming of the kingdom of our father David. Hosanna in the Highest” … they had never done this before when Jesus entered a city or town … what moved them that day … it makes me think that the Lord is able to move anyone of us at any time to do as He pleases to fulfil his will … He did say that He could make the rocks shout out and praise Him as well …. Hmmmm
I’m wondering if the fig tree was supposed to respond as the people just had and the owner of the colt and the colt just had … I guess these things seem unfair but I think He was letting everyone know who He was … in charge of everyone and everything… the creator of all and this is the reason He tells us don’t be afraid of what man can do to you … be afraid of what God can do. So choose who you will please man or God …
LOL I remember speaking to my children in the same way … I can hear myself now … “you think you’ll be in trouble with so and so for doing what’s right … if you don’t do what’s right you’ll have much more trouble here at home with me. So choose who you are going to please” … LOLOLOL
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
v.11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Jesus saw there was a problem with the temple courts and he could have cleared it then and there but he waited. Jesus didn't rush in and deal with the problem straight away but waited for the right moment.
Oh that we would have the same patience!
v.11 Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple courts. He looked around at everything, but since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
Jesus saw there was a problem with the temple courts and he could have cleared it then and there but he waited. Jesus didn't rush in and deal with the problem straight away but waited for the right moment.
Oh that we would have the same patience!
v.15-16 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
Having waited for the right moment Jesus now takes action. He initiates a confrontation. They had probably been trading here for a while but there comes a time when it is necessary to confront.
v.15-16 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
Having waited for the right moment Jesus now takes action. He initiates a confrontation. They had probably been trading here for a while but there comes a time when it is necessary to confront.
v.31-32 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
Did they even think about just telling the truth? Instead they second guess and jockey for position and these were the religious leaders!
John the Baptist confirmed Jesus' ministry as coming from God. So saying John the Baptist's ministry was from God would also confirm Jesus'.
v.31-32 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’ …” (They feared the people, for everyone held that John really was a prophet.)
Did they even think about just telling the truth? Instead they second guess and jockey for position and these were the religious leaders!
John the Baptist confirmed Jesus' ministry as coming from God. So saying John the Baptist's ministry was from God would also confirm Jesus'.
v.13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.
Normally fig trees produce fruit then leaves but this fig tree had not borne fruit.
The tree was a picture of Israel. (From Constable's Commentary) “Israel's outward display of religious vitality was impressive, like the leaves on the tree, but it bore no spiritual fruit of righteousness. It was hypocritical.”
v.13 Seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to find out if it had any fruit. When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs.
Normally fig trees produce fruit then leaves but this fig tree had not borne fruit.
The tree was a picture of Israel. (From Constable's Commentary) “Israel's outward display of religious vitality was impressive, like the leaves on the tree, but it bore no spiritual fruit of righteousness. It was hypocritical.”