Mark chapter 11 recounts significant events in the final week of Jesus' ministry before his crucifixion. It begins with Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, followed by his cleansing of the temple, his cursing of a barren fig tree, and his teachings on faith and authority. These events highlight Jesus’ identity as the Messiah, his authority over religious institutions, and his call for true faith.
As Jesus and his disciples approach Jerusalem, they come to Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives. Jesus sends two of his disciples ahead, instructing them to find a colt that has never been ridden. He tells them to untie it and bring it to him, assuring them that if anyone asks why they are taking it, they should say, "The Lord needs it, and he will send it back shortly." The disciples find the colt exactly as Jesus described and bring it to him. They place their cloaks on the colt, and Jesus rides into Jerusalem. As he enters the city, crowds spread their garments and leafy branches on the road, shouting, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" This scene fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah, which speaks of the Messiah arriving humbly on a donkey. Jesus then enters the temple, looks around, and leaves for Bethany with the twelve disciples, as it is late in the day.
The next morning, while returning to Jerusalem, Jesus sees a fig tree in the distance. Approaching it, he finds only leaves and no fruit, for it is not the season for figs. Jesus then says to the tree, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again," and his disciples hear him. This act is symbolic, representing Israel's spiritual barrenness and failure to bear the fruit of righteousness.
Upon reaching Jerusalem, Jesus enters the temple and begins driving out those who are buying and selling. He overturns the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves, preventing anyone from carrying merchandise through the temple. He declares, "Isn’t it written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers!" This cleansing of the temple exposes the corruption of religious leaders who had turned the temple into a place of profit instead of worship. The chief priests and scribes hear of this and begin plotting how to kill Jesus, fearing him because the people are astonished at his teaching. That evening, Jesus and his disciples leave the city.
The following morning, they pass by the fig tree Jesus had cursed and find it withered from the roots. Peter remembers what happened and points it out. Jesus then teaches them about faith, saying, "Have faith in God. For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ and doesn’t doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says is happening, he shall have whatever he says." He emphasizes the power of faith-filled prayer and instructs them to forgive others when they pray so that their Father in heaven will also forgive them. This teaching connects faith, prayer, and forgiveness, reinforcing that a right relationship with God requires both belief and a heart free of bitterness.
Jesus then returns to the temple courts, where the chief priests, scribes, and elders confront him. They demand to know by what authority he does these things. Jesus responds by asking them a question: "The baptism of John—was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me." They discuss among themselves, realizing that if they say it was from heaven, Jesus will ask why they did not believe John. If they say it was from men, they fear the people, who regarded John as a true prophet. Unable to answer, they say, "We don’t know." Jesus then tells them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things." This exchange reveals their unwillingness to acknowledge the truth and their fear of losing power.
Mark chapter 11 is filled with significant themes about Jesus' identity, authority, and the expectations of true faith. The triumphal entry presents Jesus as the promised King, yet unlike worldly rulers, he comes in humility. The cursing of the fig tree and the cleansing of the temple both highlight God's judgment on unfruitfulness and hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders. Jesus’ teaching on faith and forgiveness reminds us that prayer is powerful when combined with a heart aligned with God's will. Finally, the confrontation with the religious leaders demonstrates their rejection of Jesus' authority, setting the stage for the increasing conflict that will lead to his crucifixion.
This chapter challenges us to examine our own faith. Are we like the fig tree, full of outward signs of life but lacking true fruit? Do we allow Jesus to cleanse our hearts, just as he cleansed the temple? Do we trust in the power of prayer and practice forgiveness? Jesus calls us to live with genuine faith, producing fruit that reflects God’s righteousness. His entry into Jerusalem and his actions in the temple remind us that he is not just a teacher but the rightful King who demands both faith and obedience.