Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Mark 11

Online Resource Library

Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | Download

Bob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Mark 11


Verse Commentaries:



Chapter Level Commentary:
Mark 11

PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS

UBS4 NKJV NRSV TEV NJB
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem The Triumphal Entry Palm Sunday The Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem The Messiah Enters Jerusalem Mar_11:1-11 Mar_11:1-11 Mar_11:1-10 Mar_11:1-3 Mar_11:1-11 Mar_11:4-5 Mar_11:6-10 Mar_11:11 Mar_11:11 The Cursing of the Fig Tree The Fig Tree Withered Fig Tree Cursed Jesus Curses the Fig Tree The Barren Fig Tree Mar_11:12-14 Mar_11:12-14 Mar_11:12-14 Mar_11:12-14 a Mar_11:12-14 Mar_11:14 b The Cleansing of the Temple Jesus Cleanses the Temple Cleansing the Temple Jesus Goes to the Temple The Expulsion of the Dealers from the Temple Mar_11:15-19 Mar_11:15-19 Mar_11:15-19 Mar_11:15-17 Mar_11:15-19 Mar_11:18 Mar_11:19 The Lesson from the Withered Fig Tree The Lesson of the Withered Fig Tree The Meaning of the Withered Fig Tree The Lesson from the Fig Tree The Fig Tree Withered Faith and Prayer Mar_11:20-25 Mar_11:20-24 Mar_11:20-24 Mar_11:20-21 Mar_11:20-25 Forgiveness and Prayer Mar_11:22-25 Mar_11:25-26 Mar_11:25 omits Mar_11:26 omits Mar_11:26 omits Mar_11:26 omits Mar_11:26 The Authority of Jesus Questioned Jesus' Authority Questioned On Jesus' Authority The Question About Jesus' Authority The Authority of Jesus is Questioned Mar_11:27-33 Mar_11:27-33 Mar_11:27-33 Mar_11:27-28 Mar_11:27-33 Mar_11:29-30 Mar_11:31-33 a Mar_11:33 b READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")

FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL

This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.

1. First paragraph

2. Second paragraph

3. Third paragraph

4. Etc.



CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS

A. The Triumphal Entry was a significant prophetic sign; Jesus was proclaimed as the promised Messiah. It is paralleled in Mat_21:1-11, Luk_19:29-44, and Joh_12:12-19.



B. There is a paradoxical aspect to the Triumphal Entry. Jesus was obviously fulfilling the prediction of Zec_9:9 and the shouts (i.e., liturgy from the Psalms) of the crowd were an affirmation of His Messiahship. However, it must be remembered that these Hallel Psalms were used to welcome the pilgrims every year as they came for the Passover. The fact that they were applying them to a particular person was the uniqueness of this event. This is clearly seen in the consternation of the religious leaders.



C. The cleansing of the Temple recorded in Mar_11:15-19 was apparently the second cleansing by Jesus. The first one is recorded in Joh_2:15. I do not accept the tenets of literary criticism that telescope these two events into one. Although there is a problem in unifying the chronology of the Synoptic Gospels and the Gospel of John, it still seems best to me, because of the differences between the two accounts, to hold to two cleansings, one early in His ministry and one near the end. This could also explain the early and growing animosity of the religious leaders of Jerusalem. This cleansing is paralleled in Mat_21:12-16 and Luk_19:45-47.



D. The cursing of the fig tree is an obvious reference to Judaism. It is paralleled in Mat_21:18-19 and Luk_19:45-48.



E. The withered fig tree (Mar_11:20-25) is paralleled in Mat_21:19-22 and Luk_21:37-38.



F. Jesus' authority is questioned (Mar_11:27 to Mar_12:12). His authority is the key theological issue! It is paralleled in Mat_21:23-46 and Luk_20:1-19.



DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.

These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.

1. What does this chapter reveal about Jesus?

2. Why did Jesus accept the title "Son of David?"

3. How is faith related to healing?

4. Why is the Triumphal Entry so important?

5. What did the shouts of the crowd mean?

6. Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?

7. Why did Jesus drive out the merchants? Was it the first time?

8. Why didn't the Temple police stop Him?

9. Can we ask God for anything? How is our faith related to answered prayer?

10. Why is Mar_11:28 such a crucial question?