Chapter Summary

Official presentation of Jesus as King. The barren fig tree. Purifying of the temple. The prayer of faith. Jesus' authority questioned.

Discussion Questions for Mark, Chapter 11

1. How does Jesus's confidence that He could get a donkey underscore His divine wisdom and nature? What does this say to you personally about the authority and ability of Jesus?
2. What is the significance of the people placing their robes and palm branches on the road in front of Jesus? How do these glimpses of "royalty" reflect His divine and all-powerful nature? In what ways does this impact how you view your worship of Jesus?
3. How does this account of Jesus cleansing the temple differ from the account in Matthew 21? How would you justify the differences in this story? How does this impact the historical reliability of Scripture?
4. Why do you think the religious leaders "were afraid of" Jesus? Was it the temple cleansing, or was it for something deeper? How does this display of righteous anger impact your view of what Jesus is like?
5. Verses 23-24 seem to promise that we can ask for, and receive, anything we want. How would you interpret that passage? When have you prayed for something and not gotten it? What did that teach you about the nature of God?
6. How does Jesus's response to the religious leaders questioning His authority prove His wisdom and understanding? Why is discernment in the face of hostility so important? What are some ways you have seen God-given discernment help you in a situation?
7. What is the significance of the fig tree being "cursed" and then "withered"? How does this serve as a spiritual allegory for the nation of Israel at this time? What does this teach you about the seriousness of being "connected" to life in Christ?
8. Why is forgiveness such a central topic in this passage? How does forgiveness impact our relationship with God, and our relationship with others?
9. What is the connection between King David and Jesus? How do the people in this passage already understand the Messianic relationship? In what ways does this strengthen your confidence in the Scriptures?
10. Why do you think Jesus used John the Baptist as a refutation of the religious leaders? How does this show his wisdom in dealing with deceptive confrontations? In what ways can you learn practical wisdom from the words of Jesus?

Key Words/Phrase

Triumphal entry, v. 9.

Characters

Jesus, Peter, disciples, John the Baptist, David.

Strong Verse(s)

22, 23, 24, 25.